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Murder by Numbers
2002 120 min United States of America R 18+
★6.4
Crime, Drama, Thriller
Director: Barbet Schroeder
Trailers
Description
Tenacious homicide detective Cassie Mayweather and her still-green partner are working a murder case, attempting to profile two malevolently brilliant young men: cold, calculating killers whose dark secrets might explain their crimes.
Budget:
$50M
US Gross:
$31.95M
Worldwide:
$56.71M
Starring
Sandra Bullock
Actor
Ben Chaplin
Actor
Ryan Gosling
Actor
Awards
2 nominations total
Key opinion
Murder by Numbers is a crime thriller that earns praise for its compelling performances, particularly from its lead cast, while drawing criticism for its uneven script. While many viewers find the cat-and-mouse dynamic engaging, the film struggles with predictability and a lack of psychological depth regarding its villains' motives.
| Acting | The lead performances from Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt are widely recognized as a standout, magnetic duo that elevates the film. | |
| Acting | Sandra Bullock’s portrayal of a hardened, unorthodox detective successfully expands her range beyond her typical comedic roles. | |
| Screenplay | The script suffers from a lack of psychological depth, failing to provide a convincing or profound exploration of the teenage killers' motivations. | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the film's pacing and runtime are split, with some finding the two-hour duration a steady, immersive experience while others feel it drags and lacks sufficient tension. | |
| Screenplay | The plot relies heavily on predictable thriller tropes and coincidences, making the cat-and-mouse game feel formulaic rather than suspenseful. |