Brilliant plot in a thriller that dares to explore beyond the common reaches of similar films!

Rating: 8/10 (22 May 2005)

What would you think of when a group of people with unusual backgrounds, copious personal problems, and varying motives are forced to stay together in an abandoned motel situated in the middle of nowhere? In "Identity", the answer is murder by numbers and the setting befits this most excellently - an extraordinarily mysterious and sinister concoction of horror, thrill, mysticism, and frustration.
The film begins with several characters finding their fates intertwined with each other when all of them were trapped in a heavy storm and had to seek protection in a motel. Ironically, they became trapped in a predicament instead. They realised this when one of them was found brutally murdered and mutilated. The characters then decided that before the killing progressed further, they needed to find and arrest the murderer. As they stumbled along their investigation, more of them got killed.
Such a situation makes the audience think really hard about who may be the culprit. Normally, the audience starts naming their guesses as more incidents occur. This is exactly what happens with this film too, but as the plot continues to roll on, the audience will grow even more bewildered and surprised because things slowly become unexplainable. Then the twists come, making the intricate plot even more compelling.
If you stay focused when watching this film, you will find an extremely brilliant plot. It is not merely about murder in a motel, but the plot goes far beyond that to explore the complexities of human mind and their relation to identity. Remember, the film is not entitled "Identity" for nothing.