10 Little Indians Meet at the Bates Motel

Rating: 8/10 (3 January 2012)

I rented this on Netflix, and I didn't realize it was a "Thriller" (horror movie!). I am NOT a horror film fan. I decided to give this film ten minutes and if it grossed me out, I was turning it off.
I was not prepared for this stylish, well-written, well-acted film that was low on blood and high on suspense and mystery, beautifully directed by James Mangold. The stars are first rate - Ray Liotta, John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Rebecca de Mornay, Clea DuVall, John Hawkes, John C. McGinley, and Alfred Molina.
The story concerns ten people stranded at a run-down Nevada hotel in the middle of what can only be described as a monsoon. They start dying one by one, and near each body is found a room key, starting with number 10. And I have to leave it there so I won't spoil it.
I figured some of this plot out early on, thanks to years of watching mysteries and suspense films, but that didn't take away from the film's intensity or other various twists that occur. Even if you've been watching films as long as I have, you won't be prepared for some of what happens.
Really excellent.