The Little Things

The Little Things – Film Overview

The Little Things is a psychological crime thriller released in 2021, directed by John Lee Hancock. The film features a powerful trio of Academy Award-winning actors: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto. Set in early 1990s Los Angeles, the story explores the haunting nature of guilt, obsession, and justice through the lens of a murder investigation.

The plot follows Joe "Deke" Deacon (played by Denzel Washington), a worn-down deputy sheriff from a small California county who is sent to Los Angeles to collect evidence for a local case. While in LA, he becomes entangled in a series of gruesome murders that bear eerie similarities to an old unsolved case that left a scar on his past. Deke teams up with Jim Baxter (Rami Malek), a young and ambitious detective leading the current investigation. Despite their differences, the two men form an uneasy alliance as they pursue a prime suspect: Albert Sparma (Jared Leto), a strange and unsettling man who seems to enjoy toying with the authorities.

As the investigation unfolds, the film delves into the psychological cost of police work. Deke's past demons resurface, and his obsessive methods begin to influence Baxter, who starts to question his own moral boundaries. The narrative slowly reveals the burden carried by those who chase justice, even when the line between right and wrong becomes blurred.

The Little Things is not a traditional whodunit. Instead, it focuses more on character development and moral ambiguity than a clear resolution. The film’s atmosphere is dark and brooding, with a slow-burn pace that reflects the internal struggles of its characters. Jared Leto’s performance as Sparma is particularly chilling, adding a layer of menace that keeps viewers on edge.

Ultimately, the film raises important questions about truth, accountability, and the psychological toll of unresolved guilt. It may leave audiences with more questions than answers—but that’s part of its haunting power.