Identity

Directed by James Mangold, Identity follows several strangers, including John Cusack’s Ed, Ray Liotta’s Rhodes, and Amanda Peet’s Paris, as they’re knocked off one by one within an isolated motel complex. Filmmaker Mangold, armed with a screenplay by Michael Cooney, delivers a brisk, atmospheric thriller that fares best within its mostly compelling first half, and there’s little doubt, certainly, that the watchable vibe is heightened and perpetuated by an irresistible scenario and raft of appealing, agreeable performances – with, in terms of the latter, Mangold eliciting stirring work from his stars and such scene-stealing periphery players as John C. McGinley, Clea DuVall, and John Hawkes. It’s clear, too, that Identity benefits from the intriguing mystery that lies at its core, although the resolution of said mystery, which is unexpected but also exceptionally silly, does diminish the effectiveness and impact of the movie’s comparatively lackluster third act – with the end result a decent-enough thriller that might’ve benefited from a less high-concept finale.

**1/2 out of ****