Identity Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: A group of strangers converge at a motel where they are mysteriously murdered and a connection to one another is revealed.

Review: Think of "Identity" as the existential version of "And Then There Were None." While it is a bit cheap to borrow a plot line so heavily from that famous book, the film's story line is certainly a unique enough spin to stand on its own. If anything, it's more of an homage in a manner reminiscent of another film I reviewed, "The Incite Mill." What is undeniable is that "Identity" flawlessly depicts great intrigue and a moody atmosphere. The mystery unfolds at just that right pace to keep the audience guessing while never overstaying its welcome. Unfortunately, the ending is probably going to be on the polarizing side since it's predictable in a manner in which you are hoping that's not the direction things will go (if that makes sense).

What truly works in the film's favor is how the mystery and intrigue unfold...BUT you have to look at the story from a certain perspective. The film begins by, seemingly, introducing us to the implied killer which is some dude getting a late night hearing or whatever. Anyway, we then cut to the events at the motel where all the characters converge in the midst of a huge storm. I can't emphasize enough how much I love the rainy sets! Shortly after all the characters cross paths, the murders begin with an unseen assailant responsible. Adding a nice little touch is that a room key is left at each murder counting down from 10. Ahhh...but notice there are 11 characters...hmm! At first things appear straightforward with a human killer until supernatural elements kick in like the con character somehow teleporting back to the motel after running off into the desert. This introduction to supernatural elements was an especially cool change to the tone since it added a lot more to contemplate toward the intrigue factor. The characters do try to figure things out and, in the process, suggest many things the audience will suspect like ghosts or whatever; surprised no one mentioned aliens though.

With the bodies piling up, the characters come to the realization that they must be connected to one another--that there must be a specific reason for all these impossible coincidences to occur. Such connections include things like their names all based off states in the USA as well as everyone having the same birthday. At this point you will have either figured everything out or will be even further in the dark; I believe they handled this process well with the tight pacing. As it turns out, each character is merely a personality within the mind of the implied killer at the beginning. All the aspects of the film and the characters have had a connection to his life, and a psychiatrist is trying to force out the specific personality that is the murderer. Eh, it makes more sense in the context of the film, trust me. This leads to all the personalities dying except one which is a hooker with a heart of gold (of course). Believing everything is okay now with the personalities killed, they transport the killer to a mental hospital only to reveal who the real killer personality was: some stupid fucking kid! Ughhh. Again, it does make sense within the context of the story--it's just disappointing nonetheless. At the same time, it is predictable but in a way that you're praying to Rika that you're wrong about the direction things are heading.

If you can get over the lackluster payoff or, better yet, appreciate the twist, then you will realize "Identity" is a first-rate mystery-thriller. The story simply hits all the right notes in just the right amount of time and manner to suck in the audience's attention. You will want to know what's going on and will be left guessing the whole time. The actors are all pretty good and will keep you engaged with what becomes of their characters. Though, the little boy is painfully annoying on multiple levels. The mystery itself is what's important, and it's executed seamlessly regardless of the obvious usage of "And Then There Were None"  as the framework. I do highly recommend checking out "Identity" due to the excellent intrigue, wonderful abundance of rain, and everyone loves a good whodunnit mystery especially when it has a supernatural edge.

Notable Moment: I've always liked the scene where Ed explains to Paris why he quit being a cop. It feels believable and adds a layer of depth to Ed despite the twist regarding his "life."

Final Rating: 7/10