Stand up and be identified

Rating: 8/10 (9 April 2012)

If one were to scan the confines of films released in the 2000's decade, they might be surprised at the barrage of horror and thrillers that were either released to minimal viewing, or endured success in the theater never to be spoken about again. Identity falls into the second category, and sadly, I don't believe, enjoyed the acclaim it deserves. It is a crafty thriller, in a world where few exist. It succeeds in areas usually left untouched in other thrillers. And its third act doesn't leave off on a botched cliffhanger.
It is a dark and stormy night in Nevada. We see a family of three drive along an empty road before getting a flat. The man (McGinley) and the woman (Kenzle) get out of the car to attend to it and it isn't long before a limousine driver (Cusack) taxiing a brash and brazen actress (Mornay) strikes the woman, knocking her out and leaving her bleeding uncontrollably. While this is happening, the couples' kid (Loehr) witnesses it all.
The road is flooded both ways, so the gang winds up heading to a seamy motel, run by John Hawkes in a well nuanced performance. Throughout the night, numerous other people show up at the motel such as Ray Liotta, whose character is transporting a convict to another prison, a prostitute (Peet), and a newlywed couple (Duvall and Scott). They believe that their presence in the same motel on the same night is a coincidence, until more information is revealed.
All of this seems to be fine, until people start disappearing one by one. Experienced moviegoers may discover who it is before most. I was expecting Identity to have a great first act, an intriguing second act, but a phoned-in, cliché-ridden third act. On the contrary; every act in Identity is taken care of and the writing throughout the film is polished ecstatically.
The performances are not overacted, with probably the one of the hour coming from John Cusack; an actor who I've always been pleased with. He captures the role of the everyman extremely well, and always seems to play the character who is sophisticated and tries to keep everyone controlled and collective. I think between Identity and 1408, he always has had problems with motels.
Identity is a crafty, and well-done thriller, motivated by lively performances, slick writing, and a final act that wraps everything together nicely. It goes on the shelf not side-by-side cheap, inferior thrillers, but next to films like Jeepers Creepers and Joy Ride. I like to call this shelf "underrated and unsung." Starring: John Cusack, Ray Liotta, Amanda Peet, Alfred Molina, Clea DuVall, Rebecca De Mornay, John Hawkes, John C. McGinley, William Lee Scott, Jake Busey, Pruitt Taylor Vince, and Bret Loehr. DIretced by: James Mangold.