The Little Things is a stirring crime drama that is saved by its three, academy award-winning stars.
Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington) joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter (Rami Malek) to search for a serial killer who’s terrorizing Los Angeles. As they track the culprit, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case.
The film will works, to the extent that it does, thanks impart to its three Oscar winners. First up is Denzel Washington, who isn’t a harsh, crooked cop., but rather a wounded person with a painful past who is willing to bend the rules to get answers. This clashes with Malek’s younger, more idealistic detective. This element and the chemistry between the two actors help the film tremendously.
What I admired about this film was that it wasn’t the typical story of a fellow aging lawman swapping wisdom, that’s where Leto comes in to break down Malek into hardening cynicism, while also playing a delicious game of cat-and-mouse with Washington. One could argue that Leto steals his scenes, as he is fittingly creepy enough for movie serial killers while delivering dialogue that will make your hair stand on end.
Writer/director John Lee Hancock has been trying to get this film made for 30 years. Stephen Speilberg was initially supposed to direct it back in 1993, but he deemed it too dark. So, Hancock put it in a desk drawer and has since directed feel-good-movies like The Rookie, The Blind Side, and Saving Mr. Banks. He gets to return to the realm of darkness.
The whole film builds to a less than satisfying conclusion that still keeps you guessing and wanting more. I feel like this film might have been better if it had been made back in the 90s when this genre was still fresh, but The Little Things is still enjoyable nonetheless. The Little Things is now playing in theaters and on HBO MAX.
What did you think of the film? Sound off in the comments.
