The recently released Netflix film, “Reptile,” dives deep into the perplexing case of Summer Elswick, a real estate agent whose life takes a tragic turn when her body is discovered in a house she was supposed to show.
In this article, we’ll dissect the intricate details of the movie’s ending to uncover who killed Summer and why.
Behind the Scenes: Character Introductions
The film opens by introducing us to a troubled couple, Will Grady (played by Justin Timberlake) and Summer Elswick (portrayed by Matilda Lutz), both real estate agents working together.
Their relationship is clearly strained, but the reasons remain shrouded in mystery until later in the story. A hint of an affair and Summer’s nightmares allude to underlying tensions.
A Fatal Encounter: The Turning Point
The narrative takes a significant turn when Summer revisits the property from the opening scene, only to have an unidentified intruder enter through the back door. The tension builds as the plot thickens.
Will, responding to a text from Summer, arrives at the same property while en route to another house. There, he discovers the lifeless body of Summer, brutally stabbed with a knife still protruding from her. The mystery deepens, setting the stage for an intricate investigation.
Enter the Detective: Tom’s Suspicion
Detective Tom, played by Benicio Del Toro, becomes the linchpin in the unfolding drama. Introduced during a dinner with his captain Robert Allen (Eric Bogosian), Tom’s life takes a sudden turn when he’s called to the murder scene with his partner, Dan Cleary (Ato Essandoh). Tom’s skepticism and suspicion become evident during the initial interview with Will.
Piecing Together Clues: The Investigation Unfolds
The investigation gradually reveals unsettling details. Summer’s hand bears paint, and her autopsy exposes 33 stab wounds, with the murder weapon deeply embedded. A neighbor’s witness account of a suspicious car, initially misidentified as a Buick but later corrected to a Chrysler, adds complexity to the case.
The prime suspect becomes Summer’s estranged husband, Sam (Karl Glusman), who has a criminal record and a peculiar habit of cutting women’s hair. His flimsy alibi and the presence of paint on his hand raise suspicions. Sam vehemently denies the murder allegations, insisting on legal representation.
Enter Eli: Revenge in the Air
Another character, Eli (Michael Pitt), emerges as a potential suspect with a vendetta. His family’s eviction, attributed to Will and his mother Camille (Frances Fisher), led to his father’s tragic suicide. Eli’s fixation on Will and a desire for revenge come to light.
DNA Revelations: Sam’s Involvement
DNA evidence implicates Sam, with traces found at the crime scene. His s*men on Summer’s body adds to the mounting evidence. The discovery of a substantial quantity of heroin in Sam’s residence further strengthens the case against him.
Tom’s Doubts: The Unsettling Resolution
Despite mounting evidence against Sam, Detective Tom harbors doubts. He believes that Sam fired at them due to the drugs, not because he killed Summer. Tom is uneasy about closing the case without exploring all leads, especially the mysterious car’s identity.
Unearthing Hidden Truths: Tom’s Investigation
As the plot unfolds, Tom stumbles upon new evidence. Bite marks and signs of restraint on Summer’s body pique his curiosity. Eli takes matters into his own hands, breaking into Tom’s home and holding his wife Judy (Alicia Silverstone) hostage. Instead of harm, Eli delivers a USB stick containing information that could expose Will and his mother’s illicit activities.
The Shocking Revelation: Will’s Dark Secret
Tom delves into the information and unravels a shocking truth. Will and his mother orchestrated a fraudulent real estate scheme. They sold houses filled with drugs, ensuring their eventual forfeiture and purchase by a shady entity known as White Fish Assets. Tom’s friend Wally (Domenick Lombardozzi) co-owns this company with Will, using his private security business as a front for drug trafficking.
Motive Unveiled: Why Summer Was Murdered
Summer, in her pursuit of justice, uncovered the scam. Will’s decision to murder her stemmed from her threat to expose the fraudulent operation. The affair, as it turns out, was not the primary motive behind her killing.
The Climactic Showdown: Justice Prevails
The movie reaches its climax as Tom confronts his corrupted colleagues. He exposes the entire conspiracy, leading to a chain of events that culminate in the arrest of the culprits. As Will unknowingly enjoys a game of golf, the FBI arrives to apprehend him, confirming that justice has prevailed.
A Thrilling Tale of Deception and Redemption
“Reptile” offers viewers a gripping narrative that weaves together complex characters, deceit, and redemption. The film’s ending, as explained above, highlights the intricate layers of the plot, leaving audiences on the edge of their seats until the very end. With its intricate storytelling and unexpected twists, “Reptile” is a must-watch for fans of crime mysteries and suspenseful dramas.
Reptile is available to watch now on Netflix.
