The Little Things

The Little Things is a neo-noir crime thriller released in 2021, offering its audience a dark and gripping tale of obsession, guilt, and justice. This atmospheric cop drama is a Warner Bros. film directed and written by John Lee Hancock, whose previous offerings include The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks.

The narrative revolves around three main characters, each performed by a generation of Academy Award winners. Denzel Washington plays the lead, Joe "Deke" Deacon, a weathered Kern County Deputy Sheriff with a checkered past returned to his old stomping grounds in Los Angeles for a routine evidence pickup. As he embarks on what should be a simple mission, Deke inadvertently becomes embroiled in a deepening, complex murder investigation helmed by the driven and articulate detective, Jim Baxter, played by Rami Malek. The third lead, Albert Sparma, portrayed by Jared Leto, emerges as a mysterious and eccentric man, whose unsettling demeanor and indirect association with the violent crimes draw the two detectives’ special attention.

Deke, once a star detective in L.A., left the city under a cloud of undisclosed past turmoil five years ago. He's now working in a quieter jurisdiction but soon finds himself reluctantly drawn into the brutal murder case handled by Jim, the up-and-coming detective whose commitment to his job might rival Deke's own. Their professional relationship evolves into a grudging respect and a partnership that transcends the usual boundaries as they zero in on Sparma, who seems to enjoy the baiting game with the detectives.

As Joe "Deke" Deacon, Denzel Washington delivers a gripping performance of a haunted man. His portrayal of a laconic officer burdened with past sins is executed with an intensity that Washington is known for. Rami Malek, the lead detective Baxter, shines with his quiet yet sharp determination and unwavering dedication to bring justice to the victims. Jared Leto’s chilling depiction of the enigmatic Sparma further adds to the shroud of mystery around the murders, elevating the tension throughout the movie.

"The Little Things" is a moody, atmospheric thriller that dives headlong into the grim world of crime and its repercussions, trailed by an insatiable quest for truth and justice. The film elicits a bleak and striking impression of the urban landscape of 1990s Los Angeles, reinforcing the narrative’s darker themes and tone. The cinematography and the soundtrack of the film both contribute significantly to its unnerving ambiance, keeping viewers on edge throughout.

The movie sets a taut pace, unravelling layers of suspense, surprises, and suspenseful suspense, served with a side of existential introspection. It questions the high costs that come with a relentless pursuit of justice and truth, the moral boundaries that potentially blur along the way, and the lingering shadows of guilt and obsession that may never leave those who overstep those boundaries.

Beneath the thriller plot, "The Little Things" also wrestles with deeper and darker themes throughout its narrative. It explores how the unwavering quest for justice can sometimes become an obsession, and what this obsession can do to those who hold it. At its core, the film is about the quiet, personal demons of its main characters, dragged to daylight by the gruesome murders they investigate.

While the film builds on the conventional elements of a crime thriller, it sets itself apart by treating its characters as subjects of psychological study. This character-driven approach creates a chilling atmosphere of suspense that extends beyond the whodunit plot. It wrestles with the theme of obsession, exploring how traumatic events can seep into the psyche and life of a person, quietly affecting every action and decision.

In all, "The Little Things" is a riveting blend of suspense, crime, and psychological drama, under the masterful direction of John Lee Hancock. Its strong cast, led by Oscar winners Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, offers a remarkable study of complex characters, making it a compelling watch for those who enjoy crime thrillers with a deeper, introspective edge. While the gruesome crimes are the initial draw of the film, it's the haunting tale of its characters and their internal battles that truly captivate until the final credits roll.