Identity

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Identity

R

2003

1h 30m

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

64%

Tomatometer

169 Reviews

75%

Popcornmeter

100,000+ Ratings

When a vicious storm breaks out in the Nevada desert, 10 people seek refuge in an isolated motel. At the same time, a serial killer under the care of psychiatrist Doctor Mallick -- who has just found the killer's revealing journal -- awaits execution for murdering a group of motel guests. When the storm-stranded travelers realize they are being killed off one by one, limo driver Ed Dakota bids to stay alive and reveal the murderer's identity.

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Critics Consensus

Identity is a film that will divide audiences -- the twists of its plot will either impress or exasperate you.

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Wendy Ide

The Times (UK)

Feb 12, 2024

This fanciful murder mystery builds up to a whopping twist that just about holds together when you replay what came before.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

Dec 24, 2010

4/5

Scary beyond belief serial killer thriller.

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Sara Michelle Fetters

MovieFreak.com

Jun 19, 2003

3/4

In fact, when the third act trickery comes on strong, it's Cusack who's given the responsibility of selling it to the audience. That he does this isn't really a surprise, that he makes it so profoundly affecting is.

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Jeff Beck

The Blu Spot

Aug 26, 2026

3.5/5

When all is said and done, Identity has basically done what it sets out to do, which is to get you entangled in its mystery and trying to guess who the culprit is (on top of how it relates to its other seemingly-unrelated plot thread).

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Frank J. Avella

The Contending

Aug 14, 2026

B

The film also boasts excellent perfs from Amanda Peet, Ray Liotta, John Hawkes, William Lee Scott, Pruitt Taylor Vince and Rebecca De Mornay, camping up a dreadfully selfish diva turn.

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Debbie Lynn Elias

Behind The Lens

Nov 9, 2019

Unexpected, surprising, intelligent, involved and evolving. Identity gives a 21st Century identity to the fright-flick.

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Jessica S

@Jessicaws Sep 12, 2026

The twists are the real engine here. Bold, clever, and increasingly unsettling and the writing knows exactly when to give you an answer and when to make you realize you were asking the wrong question. What begins as a classic whodunit gradually becomes something far more psychological and poignant. It’s tense, inventive, and haunting, with a final act that forces you to reconsider everything that came before.

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Lauren S

@MONKS85 Sep 4, 2026

I've loved this film since I first rented it from Blockbuster back in the day. To the person claiming it's "Shutter Islandy" Identity came out long before Shutter Island and Shutter Island is molded after The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Just bought the Identity 4k because I wanted the newest transfer despite owning the DVD and Blu-ray. It's a fun ride for spooky season or any time of year.

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veruca S

@verucasaul Sep 4, 2026

Identity is a locked room mystery disguised as a nightmare. John Cusack and the rest of the stranded strangers slowly become pieces in something much darker, as paranoia turns every hallway into a trap. Stylish, bleak, and deliciously twisted, it’s the kind of thriller that makes you rethink everything you just watched, and then wonder how much of yourself you’d recognize if the walls started closing in.

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Cinema S

@cinema_sensei Aug 7, 2026

Smart, tense, and unpredictable. The atmosphere pulls you in from the start, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the film takes a turn you don’t see coming. A clever psychological thriller with a fascinating concept, strong performances, and an ending that makes you rethink everything. Still holds up surprisingly well today.

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Arda U

@RT00588692 Jul 25, 2026

Dark atmosphere, thrilling scenes, and a very interesting story. It will keep you on the edge of your seat with your eyes and ears wide open!

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Sabra P

@Sabra606 Jul 16, 2026

With a top notch cast, wonderful direction, and a great play on an old premise, Identity is a must-see.

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James Mangold

Director

John Cusack

Ed

Ray Liotta

Rhodes

Amanda Peet

Paris

John Hawkes

Larry

Alfred Molina

Dr. Malick

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Synopsis

When a vicious storm breaks out in the Nevada desert, 10 people seek refuge in an isolated motel. At the same time, a serial killer under the care of psychiatrist Doctor Mallick -- who has just found the killer's revealing journal -- awaits execution for murdering a group of motel guests. When the storm-stranded travelers realize they are being killed off one by one, limo driver Ed Dakota bids to stay alive and reveal the murderer's identity.

Director: James Mangold
Producer: Cathy Konrad
Screenwriter: James Mangold, Michael Cooney, Michael Cooney
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia
Rating: R (Strong Violence|Language)
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Mar 14, 2003, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $51.5M
Runtime: 1h 30m
Sound Mix: Dolby SR, DTS, Dolby Stereo, Surround, SDDS, Dolby A, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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