The Little Things (2021): A Slow-Burn Thriller with Star Power

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Without further ado, let's get to our review of The Little Things from 2021
The Little Things, directed and written by John Lee Hancock, is a crime drama that takes us back to the 1990s, a time when serial killer thrillers were at their peak. The film stars Denzel Washington as Joe Deacon, a burnt out deputy sheriff from Kern County, California, who finds himself drawn back into the world of homicide investigation in Los Angeles. He teams up with Jim Baxter, played by Rami Malek, a young and ambitious detective from the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department. Together they hunt for a serial killer terrorizing the city, with Albert Sparmer, portrayed by Jared Leto, emerging as their prime suspect. The movie opens with a chilling scene that sets the tone of the dark and brooding narrative that follows. Deacon, or Deke as he is known, is a man haunted by his past failures, having lost his marriage and suffered a heart attack due to the stress of an unsolved case. His return to Los Angeles is met with mixed reactions from his former colleagues, but his keen instincts soon prove invaluable to Baxter, who is eager to solve the case.
Hancock's film is reminiscent of classic thrillers like Zaysamen and the Silence of the Lambs, with its methodical pacing and focus on character development over action. The script, originally penned in the early 1990s, retains a nostalgic feel eschewing modern technology for a more old-fashioned detective vibe. This choice adds a layer of authenticity to the story, allowing the audience to immerse themselves in the gritty world of 1990s Los Angeles. Denzel Washington delivers a compelling performance as Deacon, bringing depth and gravitas to a character burdened by guilt and regret. His portrayal of a man on the edge, yet still driven by a sense of duty, is both captivating and poignant. Rami Malek as Baxter provides a strong counterpoint, embodying the determination and naivety of a detective new to the horrors of serial crime. Jared Leto's Sparmer is unsettling and enigmatic, adding an unpredictable element to the narrative. While the film excels in its atmospheric tension and character driven storytelling, it falters in its resolution. The ending is ambiguous, leaving viewers with more questions than answers. This lack of closure may frustrate some, but it also invites reflection on the psychological toll of detective work and the moral complexities faced by those in pursuit of justice.
The Little Things is a slow-burn thriller that relies heavily on its star-studded cast to elevate a familiar narrative. It explores themes of redemption, obsession and the impact of past traumas on the present. Though it may not reach the heights of its predecessors, it offers a thought-provoking look at the darker side of human nature and the little things that can make or break a case. That's my take on The Little Things, and I'm giving it three stars out of a possible five.
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