The engaging and surprising crime film “Reptile” is flying slightly under the radar and perhaps even somewhat underestimated. Maybe it is because it’s a Netflix film, which often falls into—one piece of content of many, for better or worse—maybe it’s because it’s been marketed in a pretty standard straightforward way that makes it look like a prototypical crime or killer procedural (hey, they have to sell these things in the simplest ways they can).

Continue reading ‘Reptile’: Director Grant Singer Talks Benicio Del Toro Collaboration, Coppola & Hitchcock’s Influence & Subverting Crime Tropes [Deep Focus Podcast] at The Playlist.

Everyone wants to be David Fincher when you’re making a capital S serious, severe procedural, and grim murder mystery like Netflix’s uneven but still fascinating “Reptile.” And to be sure, gray and sinister —like all good serial killer or intricate murder thrillers are these days— director Grant Singer might reference a Fincher shot here and there or try inventively add a little Steven Soderbergh paranoia ala “KIMI.

Continue reading ‘Reptile’ Review: Benicio del Toro Spices Up A Familiar But Compelling Crime Drama Aspiring For Villeneuve Darkness [TIFF] at The Playlist.