DanTheMan 2
Slower and moodier than its <a href="https://boxd.it/7udn2h">companion piece</a>, The Reptile is as much a mystery as a horror film, a slow but steady trickle of meaningful information unfolding with rewarding patience allowing us a glimpse at the terrifying secrets hidden within the Cornish village. The film has an unusually controlled dignity; instead of the customary blood-lettings, we are invited to observe with nervous curiosity the slow self-destruction of a proud but superstitious man incapable of rescuing his daughter from the fate half-wished upon her by himself. The film certainly has a lot to say, simultaneously making a strong defence of traditional English country ways, while cementing a quasi-rebellious streak with its critique of consumerism and increasingly ambiguous religious figures. It's another strong mood piece from director John Gilling, with plenty of foggy nights dripping with atmosphere and stunning set work, unfortunately, it's painfully slow with the film dragging its feet for the majority of the runtime. It's just a shame when the brilliantly realised Reptile of the title does show up, things quickly pick up yet ultimately end in a rather weak, lazy and abrupt fashion. Despite some great acting from the cast, the music by Don Banks kind of sours the deal, it's not a good score by any means but a noble effort nonetheless. Overall, The Reptile is a solid horror mystery from Hammer, but one that could have benefitted from more of a plot and better use of its titular monster to tie it all together. I probably would have been better off watching The Gorgon first.
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
10/06/24
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Oscar J
Good flick for streaming! I like those cop mysteries!
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
10/02/23
Full Review
dave s
If nothing else, The Reptile is at least consistent with other Hammer horror movies of the era – a genuinely spooky atmosphere, respectable production values, good performances, and not much in the way of scares. When a young couple movie into a home in a small English village, they find that the locals are more than a little standoffish. It's not long before they begin to realize that something is afoot, that something being a woman who transforms into a snake-like creature and kills the unsuspecting, which seems improbable, town folk. The Reptile is a bit sluggish over the first hour and, as mentioned, it isn't very scary, but it is passable entertainment for those who enjoy this kind of thing.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
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Audience Member
Fun, atmospheric Hammer creature feature. No big surprises, but really nicely done.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/24/23
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Audience Member
Though the snake mask is not that great because of budget cuts, the rest of the movie holds up REALLY WELL. The characters are very likeable and acted well, the whole atmosphere and design is beautiful (which speaks for a lot of the Hammer films of that era) and I love the oldschool horror music, that delivers chills, emotion or panic. If you are into great horror classics with a gothic feel, you have to see this! Jaqueline Pearce was AMAZING in the role, playing this beautiful and sweet woman with a defiant and tortured soul underneath.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/25/23
Full Review
Audience Member
The only main problem with this Hammer production is that it's only about 1h 20 minutes long but it feels like it's over 2h. I felt the same way about Plague of the Zombies, which was actually filmed back-to-back with this one, and uses many of the same locations. Hammer films are corny, and this one is, but the reptile make-up is disgusting and creepy as fuck. And the characters are likeable. It's not a classic Hammer horror film, but for devout fans, it's a tasty treat !!
Rated 3/5 Stars •
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
02/05/23
Full Review
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