Joe Deacon (Denzel Washington) is a Kern County Deputy Sheriff that has been ordered down to Los Angeles, California, for what should be a quick evidence gathering exercise. Unfortunately for him, he quickly becomes embroiled in the search of a serial killer with Jim Baxter (Rami Malek), the detective in charge of the entire operation that proves to have multiple layers. An effective and potent crime thriller with numerous twists and turns. It’s worth noting that The Little Things is currently streaming on Netflix.

Director: John Lee Hancock
Writers: John Lee Hancock
Starring: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto

Written and Directed by John Lee Hancock, The Little Things originally began development astonishingly thirty years ago when the screenplay had been first drafted in 1993, with various names being earmarked as potentially starring in the film. In 2019, however, production was finally given the green light, before later being released to audiences in March of 2021. This slow burn manages to zoom in on the drama and character development facets of a crime-based flick, rather than any of the action or killings that take place.

One of the standout aspects of The Little Things that I’d look at highlighting straight away would be the striking and easy on the eye cinematography on display, with the movie being captured on location in Los Angeles, California. Visually, the filmmakers even managed to present an appropriately moody and at times dimly lit picture to the viewer that suited the general atmosphere and serious subject matter very accurately.  

There were some negatives, however, with one being the often rushed dialogue that seemed a little unrealistic on more than one occasion. Another would have to be the confusing and ultimately frustrating climax that certainly leaves the average viewer with many more questions than answers – not the finest trait. With that being said, The Little Things can definitely be regarded as a flick that is worthy of discussion and debate after a single watch, with the potential for more than one watch being a possibility.

In terms of the cast, it’s not often that a film that boast three separate Oscar winners, but The Little Things certainly did. Denzel Washington starred as Joe Deacon, spearheading the majority of scenes, with hefty support reigning in from both Rami Malek and Jared Leto, who adopted the roles of Jim Baxter and Albert Sparma, respectively. Other noteworthy roles were supplied by Chris Bauer, Michael Hyatt and Natalie Morales.

The Little Things certainly isn’t a perfect by any means, but its effective, easy on the eye filming location, along with straight forward story that is capable of sparking debate, makes this an easy and worthy watch for most people. As previously noted, The Little Things is currently streaming on Netflix.

“When I see a Sunrise or Thunderstorm or Dew on the ground, yes, I think there’s a God. When I see all this, I think he’s long past giving a shit.”

Joe Deacon – The Little Things