Two combinations will almost guarantee I’ll watch a movie: John Cusack and twist endings. That’s exactly what I got with the 2003 psychological thriller "Identity." Although the actor best known for classics like "Say Anything" and "Better Off Dead" hasn’t made movie headlines in a while, he remains one of my favorite stars.
Whether it’s those ’80s flicks we all know and love or newer projects like "Love and Mercy" and "Hot Tub Time Machine," I’ll always pause when I spot a Cusack title I haven’t seen or haven’t watched in years.
"Identity" recently resurfaced in my Netflix “recommended for you” queue, and revisiting it reminded me why Cusack shines on screen — and why I miss seeing him in more movies.
What is 'Identity' about?
"Identity" opens with a chilling recitation of the poem “Antigonish” by Hughes Mearns, paired with flashes of photos and crime reports that hint at a murder investigation. Lawyers then learn that prisoner Malcolm Rivers has received a stay of execution because key evidence was never introduced at trial.
Before we get more details, the story jumps to a stormy night at a rundown roadside motel run by Larry (John Hawkes). It's the kind of place you’d only stop at in an emergency. One by one, a group of stranded travelers arrives: the injured York family; Paris (Amanda Peet), a sex worker; Ed Dakota (John Cusack), a former cop turned limo driver and his passenger Caroline Suzanne (Rebecca De Mornay); Officer Rhodes (Ray Liotta) with prisoner Robert Maine (Jake Busey); and newlyweds Lou and Ginny (William Lee Scott and Clea DuVall).
With the roads washed out, the group is trapped, and things turn deadly as guests begin to die one by one. With no escape and a killer among them, the survivors race to figure out who is targeting them ... and why.
Why you should stream 'Identity' on Netflix
"Identity" is loosely inspired by Agatha Christie’s "And Then There Were None," but there’s a deeper, hidden story unfolding beneath the surface — one you won’t fully grasp until the end. The final twist is completely unexpected, giving the movie enormous replay value.
It’s also a thrill to watch John Cusack and Ray Liotta share the screen. Their scenes crackle with tension: Cusack as the offbeat, reluctant hero, and Liotta as the crooked, untrustworthy cop who may know more than he’s letting on.
If you love a good mystery, this is a compelling whodunit psychological thriller. Fair warning, though: This isn’t a “scroll your phone and half-watch” kind of movie. It requires your full attention, especially as the story grows more complex. But trust me — it’s worth it.
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