Where does the reptile take place? - The Environmental Literacy Council (2025)

The 2023 film “Reptile,” starring Benicio Del Toro and Justin Timberlake, is set in the affluent suburb of Scarborough, Maine. However, the fascinating aspect is that while the narrative unfolds in the picturesque New England setting, the actual filming locations were a blend of Georgia and New England locales, primarily Atlanta, Georgia and the community of Dunwoody. This duality adds a layer of intrigue to the film, juxtaposing the visual landscapes with the storyline’s thematic elements. Let’s delve into the details of these locations and explore the choices behind them.

The Allure of Scarborough, Maine: Setting the Stage

The choice of Scarborough, Maine, as the film’s setting is deliberate. Maine often evokes a sense of classic Americana, with its beautiful coastlines, quaint towns, and an air of mystery. These elements are well-suited for a crime thriller like “Reptile.” The film uses the contrast between the idyllic exterior of this affluent community and the dark secrets lurking beneath to create a suspenseful atmosphere. This juxtaposition is crucial to the overall mood and narrative tension.

Creating Authenticity: Exterior Shots in New England

While most of the production was based in Atlanta, the filmmakers understood the importance of capturing authentic New England scenery. The cast and crew did travel to parts of New England, potentially including Scarborough, Maine, to film exterior shots. These shots were intended to add a layer of authenticity, seamlessly blending with the scenes filmed in Georgia to provide a cohesive visual experience.

Atlanta, Georgia: The Primary Filming Location

The majority of the film’s production took place in Atlanta, Georgia. The city’s diverse range of architectural styles, suburban settings, and experienced film crews made it an ideal location. Additionally, the Atlanta area boasts a thriving film industry, which provides resources and facilities crucial for large-scale productions like “Reptile.” Dunwoody, a suburb of Atlanta, was also utilized for various scenes, offering visually appealing backdrops for the film’s unfolding drama.

Why Atlanta? Production Advantages

The decision to film primarily in Atlanta comes down to several practical factors. Georgia offers attractive tax incentives for film productions, which can significantly reduce production costs. The state also has a skilled workforce of film professionals, state-of-the-art studios, and diverse locations that can convincingly stand in for other regions. The film industry has a massive impact on The Environmental Literacy Council as productions work to be sustainable and conscientious.

Decoding the Locations: Thematic Resonance

The contrast between the on-screen setting of Maine and the actual filming location in Georgia is more than just a production detail; it’s a thematic element. The artificiality of the “perfect” suburban life, mirroring the deceptions within the story, is subtly emphasized by the fact that what we see on screen isn’t always what it appears to be in reality. This deliberate choice adds layers to the film’s message about appearances and hidden truths.

“Reptile”: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the locations and plot of the movie “Reptile”:

1. Where is “Reptile” set?

“Reptile” is set in the affluent suburb of Scarborough, Maine.

2. Where was “Reptile” primarily filmed?

The film was primarily filmed in Atlanta, Georgia, and the surrounding areas, including Dunwoody.

3. Did the “Reptile” production team film in Maine?

Yes, the cast and crew traveled to parts of New England, potentially including Scarborough, Maine, to capture exterior shots and enhance the film’s authenticity.

4. Why was Atlanta chosen as a primary filming location for “Reptile”?

Atlanta offers attractive tax incentives for film productions, a skilled workforce, and diverse locations that can stand in for other regions.

5. What is the plot of the movie “Reptile”?

The story follows Detective Tom Nichols (Benicio Del Toro) as he investigates the murder of real estate agent Summer Elswick (Matilda Lutz), uncovering a web of deception and corruption.

6. Is “Reptile” based on a true story?

While “Reptile” is a work of fiction, it bears resemblance to the unsolved murder of Canadian real estate agent Lindsay Buziak.

7. Who was the killer in “Reptile”?

Summer’s boyfriend, Will Grady (Justin Timberlake), is revealed to be her killer, attempting to frame her ex-husband for the crime.

8. What is the significance of the film’s title, “Reptile”?

The title refers to the way characters in the film “shed their skin,” revealing their true, often darker, natures as the story progresses.

9. Does the movie “Reptile” have any snakes in it?

Despite the title, there are no actual snakes in the movie. The title is metaphorical.

10. What is the rating of “Reptile,” and why?

“Reptile” is rated R for graphic descriptions of violence, explicit scenes of violence, and strong language.

11. Who are some of the key actors in “Reptile”?

The key actors include Benicio Del Toro, Justin Timberlake, Matilda Anna Ingrid Lutz, and Michael Carmen Pitt.

12. What genre is the movie “Reptile”?

“Reptile” is a crime thriller and murder mystery.

13. What is the role of Wally in “Reptile”?

Domenick Lombardozzi plays Wally, a colleague of Detective Tom Nichols.

14. What are some of the themes explored in “Reptile”?

The themes explored in “Reptile” include corruption, deception, hidden truths, and the dark underbelly of seemingly perfect communities.

15. How does the setting of “Reptile” contribute to the overall narrative?

The contrast between the affluent, idyllic setting and the dark secrets that unfold helps to create a sense of suspense and underscores the film’s themes of deception and hidden realities. The work that companies like enviroliteracy.org do to ensure environmentally conscientious filming are more important than ever.