The film is a crime thriller directed by Grant Singer, starring Benicio Del Toro as a detective named Tom Nichols investigating the brutal murder of a young real estate agent named Summer (Matilda Lutz). The main suspects initially are her boyfriend Will Grady (Justin Timberlake), her ex-husband Sam (Karl Glusman), and a neighbor Eli Phillips (Michael Pitt).
1. What is the Plot of ‘Reptile’?
The film opens with Summer’s boyfriend, real estate developer Will Grady (Justin Timberlake), discovering her lifeless body in an empty house they planned to sell. Nichols and his partner Detective Cleary (Ato Essandoh) are assigned to the case.
Their initial suspects include Will, Summer’s unstable ex-husband Sam (Karl Glusman), and a man named Eli (Michael Pitt) who holds a grudge against the Gradys. However, as Nichols digs deeper into the seedy underbelly of the town, he begins uncovering a complex conspiracy involving the police department, the criminal underworld, and the wealthy Grady family.
2. Who killed Summer in ‘Reptile’?
It is revealed that Will, his mother Camille (Frances Fisher), and several high-ranking police officials have been running an elaborate money laundering and drug distribution scheme for years. They use empty houses to store drugs and cash, which Will’s real estate firm then sells, funneling the profits into offshore accounts.
When Summer accidentally discovers incriminating evidence of their operation, Will murders her to keep her quiet. He and the other co-conspirators then work to cover up the crime and derail Nichols’ investigation.
They plant fake evidence to frame suspects, bribe officials, and threaten anyone who gets in their way. Nichols struggles to unravel the dark web of corruption that has formed in the town.
He realizes that he can trust no one, not even his superiors on the police force. His only ally is his wife Judy (Alicia Silverstone), whose uncle is Nichols’ boss Captain Robert Allen (Eric Bogosian).
3. Why did Allen Get Killed in Reptile?
Tom goes to Allen’s house to confront him about evidence he has found linking Allen to the conspiracy. Chief Graeber is also there. Allen tells Tom “You gave them the drive. They know!” before going upstairs, implying Allen knows Tom has exposed the conspiracy.
Allen is then shot by an unseen person after saying “It’s over.” Later, it’s revealed that Chief Graeber was the one who shot Allen. But the articles do not explicitly explain why Graeber killed Allen.
The motive is unclear – whether it was to silence Allen about the conspiracy, a power struggle between the co-conspirators, or some other reason.
4. What Happens At the End? Ending Explained
In the end, Nichols risks his own life to expose the truth. After a bloody shootout that leaves several officers dead, Will is arrested by the FBI.
The film closes with a bittersweet sense of justice as Nichols finally repairs his long-neglected kitchen faucet, a symbol of his devotion to his work over his domestic life.
5. Why did Tom Wax his Hand at the End of Reptile?
Tom suffers a hand injury during his investigation into Summer’s murder, which represents the physical and psychological toll it takes on him. By the ending, his injury has healed but the wax scene seems to symbolize his recovery and transformation after exposing the criminal conspiracy.
Putting hands in paraffin wax can provide therapeutic benefits like increased blood flow and pain relief. So the wax may aid Tom’s healing while also serving as a metaphor for shedding old skin and becoming a renewed person.
6. Is ‘Reptile’ Worth Watching?
Del Toro delivers an intense, gripping performance as the relentless detective haunted by his mysterious past. He shares strong chemistry with Alicia Silverstone, who plays his quick-witted wife Judy. Reptile features gorgeous cinematography and a dark, moody score that builds tension.
While the plot can be difficult to follow at times, Singer does an impressive job maintaing up suspense and guiding viewer with many twists and turns.
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The ending reveals the killer and conspiracy in a climactic confrontation, though some loose ends remain. Fans of the mystery genre should appreciate this tense thriller piece.
