The Little Things

Movie Trailer

Release Date
January 29, 2021

Genre
Crime, Thriller, Drama

Cast & Crew

• Denzel Washington as Joe “Deke” Deacon
• Rami Malek as Jim Baxter
• Jared Leto as Albert Sparma
• Chris Bauer as Detective Sal Rizoli
• Michael Hyatt as Flo Dunigan
• Natalie Morales as Detective Jamie Estrada

Director
John Lee Hancock

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Blind Side (2009)
• Saving Mr. Banks (2013)
• The Founder (2016)
• The Highwaymen (2019)

Producer
Mark Johnson, John Lee Hancock

Writer
John Lee Hancock

Budget
$30 million

Production Company
Warner Bros. Pictures, Gran Via Productions

Running Time
128 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Graphic violence
• Disturbing thematic elements
• Strong language

Movie Story
“The Little Things” is a psychological crime thriller that delves into the dark world of murder investigations and the moral ambiguities faced by those who pursue justice. The story is set in 1990s Los Angeles and follows Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington), a burned-out Kern County deputy sheriff with a haunted past. Deke is sent to Los Angeles on what is supposed to be a quick evidence-gathering assignment, but he quickly becomes embroiled in a case that echoes his own troubled history.

Deke is soon drawn into the investigation of a series of brutal murders that are eerily similar to a case he failed to solve years earlier. His instincts lead him to Albert Sparma (Jared Leto), a creepy and enigmatic loner who becomes the prime suspect. Sparma is a character who delights in playing mind games with the detectives, leading to intense confrontations and a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic.

Rami Malek plays Jim Baxter, a young and ambitious detective leading the investigation. Baxter, initially skeptical of Deke, eventually seeks his guidance, and the two form an uneasy partnership. As they delve deeper into the case, the lines between right and wrong begin to blur, and Baxter finds himself increasingly influenced by Deke’s unorthodox methods.

The film’s narrative is steeped in tension and suspense, with the investigation revealing as much about the detectives as it does about the suspect. As the pressure mounts, both Deke and Baxter are forced to confront their own demons, leading to a conclusion that is as morally ambiguous as it is shocking. The title, “The Little Things,” refers to the small, often overlooked details that can make or break an investigation, but it also speaks to the little things that can haunt a person’s conscience and soul.

Special Effects
“The Little Things” relies more on atmosphere and performance than on heavy special effects. The film’s cinematography, combined with its moody lighting and period-accurate set design, creates a dark and brooding ambiance that underscores the psychological depth of the story. The visual style enhances the suspense, with each scene carefully crafted to build tension.

Box Office Performance
“The Little Things” was released both in theaters and on HBO Max simultaneously, a strategy adopted by Warner Bros. due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, the film performed reasonably well, grossing over $30 million worldwide. Its release on streaming platforms also contributed to a significant viewership, maintaining its visibility in a competitive market.

Filming Locations

• Los Angeles, California, USA
• Lancaster, California, USA

Notable Quotes

• “It’s the little things, Jimmy. It’s the little things that rip you apart. It’s the little things that get you caught.” – Joe “Deke” Deacon
• “I can feel it. This is going to go sideways.” – Jim Baxter

Behind-the-Scenes
Director John Lee Hancock originally wrote the screenplay for “The Little Things” in the early 1990s, making it a passion project that he finally brought to life nearly three decades later. The film’s performances, particularly Jared Leto’s portrayal of Albert Sparma, were critically acclaimed, with Leto earning nominations for several awards. The intense dynamic between the three leads—Washington, Malek, and Leto—was a focal point during production, with each actor bringing a unique energy to their role.

Awards

• Nominated for a Golden Globe Award (Best Supporting Actor – Jared Leto)
• Nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award (Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role – Jared Leto)

Final Verdict
“The Little Things” is a gripping and atmospheric thriller that explores the complexities of guilt, obsession, and the pursuit of justice. While the film’s slow-burn approach and ambiguous ending may not appeal to everyone, it offers a compelling narrative driven by strong performances from its star-studded cast. For fans of psychological crime dramas, “The Little Things” provides a thought-provoking and unsettling experience.

IMDb Rating
6.3/10