The Relic (1997) is a creature-feature horror thriller that blends scientific mystery with visceral terror. Directed by Peter Hyams, the film follows Chicago detective Vincent D'Agosta (Tom Sizemore) and evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Margo Green (Penelope Ann Miller) as they investigate a series of gruesome murders at the city's natural history museum. Their investigation leads them to a terrifying discovery: a South American lizard-like creature, brought back as a biological relic, that is now hunting humans through the museum's dark corridors.

The film effectively builds tension through its atmospheric setting—the sprawling, shadowy museum becomes a character itself, with Hyams using its architecture to create claustrophobic suspense. While the CGI effects, particularly for the creature named Kothoga, show their late-90s age, the practical effects and makeup work remain impressively gruesome. Sizemore delivers a grounded performance as the weary detective, while Miller brings intellectual curiosity to her role, though some character development feels secondary to the action.

What makes The Relic worth watching is its commitment to B-movie thrills with a surprisingly intelligent premise. The creature's origins tie into fascinating (if pseudoscientific) concepts of evolutionary biology and mythology. The final act, set during a museum gala as the creature rampages, delivers solid horror set-pieces and tension. While not groundbreaking, The Relic offers satisfying entertainment for fans of 90s creature features who enjoy their horror with a side of scientific speculation. It's a competently made thriller that understands its genre strengths.