Taking Lives (2004) – Thriller/Crime/Mystery

Taking Lives (2004) is a dark psychological thriller that twists its way through identity, obsession, and the terrifying lengths some will go to disappear into someone else’s skin. Directed by D.J. Caruso, the film stars Angelina Jolie, Ethan Hawke, Kiefer Sutherland, and Olivier Martinez.

The story follows FBI profiler Illeana Scott (Jolie), a brilliant but emotionally guarded investigator called to Montreal to help local police track a serial killer. The murderer has a chilling pattern: he assumes the identities of his victims, living their lives until he needs to kill again. The deeper Illeana digs, the more the case becomes a mirror reflecting danger back at her.

Ethan Hawke plays James Costa, a witness whose unsettling charm draws Illeana closer even as the evidence around him grows increasingly complicated. Their intense connection blurs the line between hunter and hunted, setting up a psychological game of trust and deception.

Production leaned heavily into a moody, European noir style — cold colors, shadowy rooms, and lingering silences. Jolie’s performance stands out for its quiet intensity, portraying a woman who can read anyone’s mind but struggles to guard her own heart. Hawke brings a disarming vulnerability that makes the film’s twists hit harder.

Upon its release, critics were split — some praised its suspense and performances, while others found its narrative overly sensational. But over the years, Taking Lives has earned a place as a sleek early-2000s thriller, remembered for its shocking twists and haunting atmosphere.

Beneath its violent mystery lies a chilling truth: evil isn’t always in the shadows — sometimes, it’s standing right in front of you.