Murder by Numbers is a crime thriller directed by Barbet Schroeder and starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Gosling. Cassie Mayweather (Bullock) is a seasoned homicide detective in Santa Barbara who is called in to investigate the murder of a young woman whose body was found near a popular hiking trail. Along with her rookie partner, Sam Kennedy (played by Ben Chaplin), Cassie begins to gather evidence and interviews potential suspects.
As the investigation progresses, Cassie and Sam discover a pair of high school students, Richard Haywood (Gosling) and Justin Pendleton (played by Michael Pitt), who they believe are responsible for the gruesome crime. The two boys are obsessed with Nietzsche's philosophy of the Superman and believe they are above the law and can commit any crime without consequence.
Cassie and Sam pursue the case, despite being warned by their superiors to back off, and eventually unravel the dark secrets and twisted motives of the two young killers. However, as they close in on Richard and Justin, they realize that the boys are more dangerous and unpredictable than they ever could have imagined.
The film received mixed reviews upon its release in 2002 but is notable for being one of Ryan Gosling's early breakout roles. It explores themes of morality, power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.