The Little Things

The Little Things is an intriguing crime drama thriller film draped in a heavy cloak of mystery that engulfs the viewers in its dense folds right from the start to the grand finale. Directed by the talented John Lee Hancock, the movie presents a well-crafted narrative that cuts across the soft boundary separating the law enforcement sphere and the criminal underbelly of society. The magnificence of this grim tale lies in its evocative portrayal of the darker aspects of humanity and the unpredictable nature of human actions.

Set in the backdrop of the 1990s Los Angeles, the storyline of The Little Things posits a fascinating power dynamic between a seasoned county deputy sheriff and a zealous detective on the urgent trail of a relentless killer. The primary role of the sheriff is played by Oscar-winning actor Denzel Washington, who lends a layer of complexity and depth to his character, aptly named Joe 'Deke' Deacon.

The film begins with Deke being sent on a practical errand from his regular jurisdiction of Kern County to Los Angeles. However, this straightforward task spirals into a high-stake murder investigation, which reunites him with the underbelly of the city he was once a part of. During this investigation, he crosses paths with an ambitious young detective, Sgt. Jim Baxter, masterly portrayed by Rami Malek. As the duo delves deeper into the maze, old wounds resurface and hidden secrets threaten to disrupt the investigation, demonstrating the essence of the film's title - it’s the little things that can push one over the edge.

Jared Leto takes up a pivotal role in the form of Albert Sparma, an unusual suspect in the serial killings which bring forward a much deeper psychological battle. The three primary characters intricately weave and align their paths in the vast network of law, order, and crime, each driven by their individual motives and haunted by their pasts.

The Little Things is a narrative that amply utilizes its neo-noir artistry and chilling atmosphere to build constant suspense and tension throughout the movie. The film is replete with edge-of-the-seat moments that keeps one's heart thumping and brain guessing. The aesthetic 90s backdrop only enhances the authenticity of the narrative. The distinct visual treatment given to each frame truly brings forth the grit, grimness and gloom of the personal and systemic realities in a time governed by grittier crime management methods.

The film’s script bears an uncanny resemblance with real-life investigations, exploring the realms of obsession and pursuit of justice. It poses intense questions about the human soul's resilience, particularly among those who are habitually exposed to the grimmer realities of life. Further, the movie does not shy away from exploring the moral boundaries related to law enforcement procedures and dives deep into the psychological aspects of the characters attached to it.

Performances by the acting stalwarts like Washington, Malek, and Leto are exceptional, managing to maintain a gritty sense of urgency throughout the movie. They do not just play their parts but breathe life into their characters with their soul-stirring acting skills. The nuanced performances, coupled with a haunting background score, and the atmospheric visuals of 90s Los Angeles, successfully capture the mood of the movie and transport the audience right in the middle of the ominous story.

In summary, The Little Things is a movie that not only serves as an engaging thriller but also as an exploration of the human psyche by blending together reality’s harshness and its implications on human behaviours. The movie is an absolute must-watch for those who appreciate intense crime dramas with an undercurrent of psychological mystery. With its solid narrative arch, compelling performances and a haunting atmosphere, The Little Things undoubtedly leaves a lasting impact and keeps viewers pondering over its chilling story long after the credits roll.