Day 23 - 01/23/2019

  Have you ever been in a scenario of picking a random movie and ends up surprised by the quality of a hidden gem. Identity is likely to be many people's gem, with a more complex premise than is generally described by most synopsis. 

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  During a rainstorm in Nevada, a deserted hotel becomes the attraction for ten strangers. Ed (John Kusack), is an ex-cop and now limousine driver for a movie star (Rebecca De Mornay). During the road, he runs over Alice York (Leilza Kenzle), mother of Timmy (Bret Loehr) and wife of George (John C. McGinley). At the motel, a policeman (Ray Liotta) later arrives while he's transporting a killer (Jake Busey). Lastly, a hooker (Amanda Peet) and a recently married couple (William Lee Scott and Clea DuVall) are also given a room from the hotel manager (John Hawkes). All guests are given a key, numbered from 1 to 10, and the story goes by at the fashion of And Then There Were None.  

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  The introduction scene is quite confusing, it expresses the mystery as either something well thought through and through, or just sloppily thrown out there. Fortunately, the story build upon it without the audience even realizing, perhaps the greatest highlight of the production. The minor mysteries are enticing on its own and despite the cast of mostly unknown actors, all of them are convincing and deliver this story that could happen to anyone out there. 

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  Most times the horror tropes are used, part of the seriousness is sacrificed. Additionally, the strong roots coming from Ten Little Indians are strongly attached to Identity, making the title of the movie quite ironic. Though the killer is a surprise, it seems hard to believe such would be able of those doings, not only physically but with the shallow motivation that is never really explained.

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  Despite being so strongly rooted by its inspiration, there are many original factors of Identity, as it follows a standard storyline and builds up towards a well crafted conclusion. Due to this statement the comments made above, 7.4 out of 10 stones is a fitting rating for the hidden gem.