Identity (2003) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Complete strangers stranded at a remote desert motel during a raging storm soon find themselves the target of a deranged murderer. As their numbers thin out, the travelers begin to turn on each other, as each tries to figure out who the killer is.
Rated R • 2003 • 1h 30m
The R-rated psychological thriller Identity earns its rating primarily for strong, bloody violence and pervasive language. The plot traps ten strangers at a remote Nevada motel where they are murdered one by one, leading to scenes of shocking violence, including stabbings, shootings, and a man's severed head being discovered. The film features frequent use of 'f*ck' and other profanities. Due to its intense, suspenseful tone… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Identity appropriate for kids?
The R-rated psychological thriller Identity earns its rating primarily for strong, bloody violence and pervasive language. The plot traps ten strangers at a remote Nevada motel where they are murdered one by one, leading to scenes of shocking violence, including stabbings… Read more — free account
Content severity in Identity
What happens in Identity, moment by moment
- 0:05 🍷 Substances 2/10
- 0:06 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:11 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
Sex and nudity in Identity
This category is light. One character, Paris, is a prostitute, which is mentioned several times. She is seen briefly in lingerie with a client at the beginning of the film, but the scene is not explicit. A few low-cut tops are worn, but there is no nudity.
Violence and gore in Identity
Violence is strong, bloody, and frequent, forming the core of the film's R-rating. There are multiple brutal murders shown with bloody results, including stabbings, shootings, a man crushed by a truck, and strangulation. One of the most graphic moments involves the discovery of a woman's severed head inside a running clothes dryer. A car explodes with two people inside, and the climax features a shootout where two men kill each other, followed by further stabbings.
Language in Identity
Language is strong and frequent throughout. The dialogue includes approximately 29 uses of 'f*ck' and over 20 uses of 'sh*t'. Other profanity includes multiple uses of 'goddamn,' 'damn,' 'hell,' 'bitch,' and 'whore.' The sheer volume of strong language contributes significantly to the R rating.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Identity
Substance use is minimal and incidental. A character drinks shots of whiskey at the motel bar early in the film. Another character smokes a cigarette in a car. Later, sedatives are mentioned in a medical context.
Mature themes in Identity
The film is built around mature and disturbing psychological themes, primarily Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The entire plot is a metaphorical representation of a serial killer's fractured psyche, which may be confusing or unsettling for younger viewers. Themes of murder, psychological manipulation, and the nature of evil are central. The reveal that a child is the murderous personality is a particularly dark twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Identity appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Identity is best for ages 17+. It's rated R. The R-rated psychological thriller Identity earns its rating primarily for strong, bloody violence and pervasive language. The plot traps ten strangers at a remote Nevada motel where they are murdered one by one…
What age rating does Identity have?
Identity is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Identity about?
The R-rated psychological thriller Identity earns its rating primarily for strong, bloody violence and pervasive language. The plot traps ten strangers at a remote Nevada motel where they are murdered one by one, leading to scenes of shocking violence, including stabbings, shootings, and a man's severed head being…
Is there sex or nudity in Identity?
This category is light. One character, Paris, is a prostitute, which is mentioned several times. She is seen briefly in lingerie with a client at the beginning of the film, but the scene is not explicit. A few low-cut tops are worn, but there is no nudity.
How violent is Identity?
Violence is strong, bloody, and frequent, forming the core of the film's R-rating. There are multiple brutal murders shown with bloody results, including stabbings, shootings, a man crushed by a truck, and strangulation. One of the most graphic moments…
Is the language in Identity appropriate for kids?
Language is strong and frequent throughout. The dialogue includes approximately 29 uses of 'f*ck' and over 20 uses of 'sh*t'. Other profanity includes multiple uses of 'goddamn,' 'damn,' 'hell,' 'bitch,' and 'whore.' The sheer volume of strong language…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Identity?
Substance use is minimal and incidental. A character drinks shots of whiskey at the motel bar early in the film. Another character smokes a cigarette in a car. Later, sedatives are mentioned in a medical context.
What mature themes appear in Identity?
The film is built around mature and disturbing psychological themes, primarily Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). The entire plot is a metaphorical representation of a serial killer's fractured psyche, which may be confusing or unsettling for younger…
How long is Identity?
Identity runs 90 minutes, directed by James Mangold, released in 2003.
Where can I read the full Identity parent guide?
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