Murder by Numbers (2002)
Murder by Numbers (2002), directed by Barbet Schroeder, is a psychological crime thriller starring Sandra Bullock, Ryan Gosling, and Michael Pitt. Loosely inspired by the infamous Leopold and Loeb case, the film follows two intelligent but disturbed high school students who attempt to commit the perfect murder, only to be pursued by a determined detective.
Sandra Bullock plays Cassie Mayweather, a tough and secretive homicide detective with a dark past. Investigating a seemingly random murder, she begins to suspect that two privileged students, Richard (Gosling) and Justin (Pitt), are behind it. As she investigates, mind games and manipulation unfold, leading to an intense game of cat and mouse. The film is captivating, with masterful performances, especially that of young
Ryan Gosling, who exudes chilling charisma as the dominant force of the twisted duo. Bullock gives a solid performance, balancing vulnerability and toughness. While the plot follows the usual crime thriller beats, its psychological depth and the disturbing dynamic between the killers make it captivating.
If you like dark, slow-paced thrillers with psychological tension, Murder by Numbers is worth watching!