‘The Little Things’: Denzel Washington Shines in a Gripping Neo-Noir Thriller

In the pantheon of psychological crime dramas, The Little Things (2021) stands out as a haunting exploration of obsession, morality, and the elusive nature of justice. Directed by John Lee Hancock, this neo-noir thriller brings together an Oscar-winning trio—Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto—in a tense, character-driven narrative set against the gritty backdrop of 1990s Los Angeles. While some confusion has arisen about a supposed 2025 release or its classification as a “prison thriller” or “horror film,” this article sets the record straight, diving into the authentic details of the 2021 gem that captivated audiences and sparked debate.

A Tale of Hunters and the Hunted

The Little Things, released on January 29, 2021, follows Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington), a weathered Kern County deputy sheriff haunted by his past, and Jim Baxter (Rami Malek), a sharp but idealistic LASD sergeant. The two join forces to track a serial killer terrorizing Los Angeles, with their investigation zeroing in on Albert Sparma (Jared Leto), a chillingly eccentric suspect. Set in the early 1990s, the film eschews modern technology like cell phones, amplifying the suspense as the detectives rely on intuition, grit, and old-school police work.

The plot weaves a complex web of psychological tension, with Deke’s obsessive tendencies and Baxter’s hunger for justice clashing against Sparma’s taunting ambiguity. The film’s climax, set in a desolate desert, delivers a shocking twist that leaves viewers questioning the cost of closure. Without spoiling the ending, suffice it to say that The Little Things subverts the conventional crime thriller formula, opting for moral ambiguity over tidy resolutions—a choice that has polarized audiences and critics alike.

Stellar Performances and Cinematic Craft

Denzel Washington delivers a powerhouse performance as Deke, embodying a man wrestling with guilt and redemption. His nuanced portrayal, marked by weary eyes and quiet intensity, anchors the film, reminding audiences why he’s a cinematic icon. Rami Malek complements Washington as the driven Baxter, whose unraveling idealism adds emotional depth. Jared Leto, as the unsettling Sparma, steals scenes with his eerie charisma, earning Golden Globe and SAG nominations for Best Supporting Actor.

John Lee Hancock, who wrote the script in 1993, brings a timeless quality to the film. Originally considered by directors like Steven Spielberg and Clint Eastwood, the project languished for decades before Hancock took the helm. His direction, paired with John Schwartzman’s moody cinematography, captures the bleak underbelly of Los Angeles, evoking comparisons to David Fincher’s Se7en. The 1990s setting, with its lack of digital forensics, heightens the stakes, making every clue and confrontation feel raw and urgent.

Themes of Obsession and Moral Grayness

At its core, The Little Things is less about catching a killer and more about the psychological toll of the chase. The film explores how obsession can consume both the hunter and the hunted, blurring the lines between right and wrong. Deke’s past mistakes and Baxter’s descent into moral compromise raise profound questions about justice: Is closure worth the cost of one’s humanity? Can truth ever be certain in a world of deception? These themes resonate long after the credits roll, making the film a thought-provoking addition to the crime genre.

Reception and Streaming Success

Upon its release, The Little Things garnered mixed reviews. Critics lauded the performances, particularly Leto’s, but some found the plot formulaic and the ambiguous ending divisive, earning it a 54/100 on Metacritic and a “B−” CinemaScore. Despite this, the film found a second life on streaming platforms. In 2024, it topped Netflix’s Top 10 movies list for over a week, proving its enduring appeal. Originally released on HBO Max and in theaters during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s now available on Max and various rental platforms as of 2025.

Clearing Up the 2025 Confusion

Recent discussions have mistakenly tied The Little Things to a 2025 release, possibly due to its streaming resurgence or misinterpretations of articles referencing Denzel Washington’s upcoming projects, such as Spike Lee’s Highest 2 Lowest or Othello (2025). Additionally, labeling the film as a “prison thriller” or “horror” seems to stem from its dark tone or confusion with other Washington films like Ricochet (1991). Rest assured, The Little Things is a 2021 neo-noir crime thriller, not a horror film, and its prison-like atmosphere reflects the psychological entrapment of its characters, not a literal jail setting.

Why You Should Watch

The Little Things is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and stellar acting. Denzel Washington’s commanding presence, paired with Malek and Leto’s dynamic performances, makes it a gripping journey into the shadows of human nature. Its 1990s aesthetic, morally complex narrative, and haunting ambiguity set it apart from formulaic crime dramas. Whether you’re drawn to character studies or tense cat-and-mouse games, this film delivers a cinematic experience that lingers.

Stream The Little Things on Max or rent it on platforms like Amazon or Sky. For those intrigued by similar vibes, check out Washington’s Training Day (2001) or The Bone Collector (1999). In a world where justice is never black-and-white, The Little Things reminds us that sometimes, it’s the small details that haunt us the most.

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