Reptile

⭐️ ⭐️ 1/2 (out of 5)

Over the years of reviewing films, there are moments when the film's intent is evident, while the execution may fail to rise to the expectations. Grant Singer’s inaugural run with a script from Benjamin Brewer and Benicio del Toro has all the earmarks of a David Fincher murder mysteries. Yet, even a compelling imitation can struggle to rise to the inspirational work that it is attempting to emulate.

As producer, writer, and lead actor, Academy Award-winning actor Benicio del Toro does all he can to carry this production to the conclusion. His character is the seasoned detective of Scarborough named Tom Nichols. He is the lead officer in the investigation of Summer Elswick (Matilda Lutz), a rising star in the real estate community. Her body was discovered by boyfriend Will Grady (Justin Timberlake), a real estate mogul, along with his mother Camille (Frances Fisher), who employed the deceased agent. As the investigation unfolds, different enemies of the Gradys look to be suspects in the murder until other factors cause Detective Nichols to dig deeper into former murders that expose the potential involvement of different organisations and people from his past.

The aspirations this Netflix film strives to reach are admirable and should keep audiences engaged until the end. Still, Reptile continually feels familiar, making it difficult to rise above being a modern by-the-numbers production. Not that they don’t pull out all of the stops by bringing in an exceptional cast to support del Toro as he travels through the multitude of twists and turns within the screenplay. Justin Timberlake, Alicia Silverstone, and Michael Pitt (Ghost in the Shell) provide enough to add the needed mcguffins to keep the viewer off balance through the first two acts. Yet, on the other side of the casting, Eric Bogosian and Ato Essandoh are relegated to pedestrian roles that fail to capitalise on their talents.

Reptile does entertain and keep you guessing for the majority of the film. Still, it lacks the finesse to keep the tension at a fever pitch throughout the story. The artistic investment of Benicio del Toro is apparent and gives this film enough heart to keep audiences wanting to know the answers, but not enough to make it great.

REEL DIALOGUE: Can morality exist in this world?

Morality: conformity to the rules of right conduct; moral or virtuous conduct.

In the flexible morality of this world, can morality exist? (Your truth is your truth, my truth is mine) With only the cinematic universe to consider, the question has to be answered with a strong possibility. Compromise does play a factor in this world, but is there a moral centre to drive people to continue to do this work?

The challenge is to know where to find this integral drive for justice and integrity. Can it be found in law enforcement or other areas of life?

Most of us will never directly experience the extreme moral downfall depicted in this story. Still, each of us needs to determine right and wrong for ourselves. We can look to mankind for examples, but eventually, all people fail the test of perfect morality. Only one person in history set the standard for honesty and proved that no one else could ultimately hold to this standard. This may sound hopeless, but Jesus did not leave humanity without a solution to this morality juxtaposition.

Are you intrigued? Here is a link to a letter written by Paul called Romans; it opens up things on morality. It is a short read, but allows for consideration for where it bases your morality. Romans

If you would like to discuss the topic of morality and the Bible. Reach out to us at Third Space. We would love to chat about this and more.