š¬š¬ The Little Things (2025) – Denzel Washington
āThe Little Thingsā: 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 trioāDenzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Letoāin 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 āprison thrillerā or āhorror film,ā 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 āDekeā 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 Dekeās obsessive tendencies and Baxterās hunger for justice clashing against Sparmaās taunting ambiguity. The filmās 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 resolutionsāa 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 heās 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 Schwartzmanās moody cinematography, captures the bleak underbelly of Los Angeles, evoking comparisons to David Fincherās 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. Dekeās past mistakes and Baxterās descent into moral compromise raise profound questions about justice: Is closure worth the cost of oneās 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 Letoās, but some found the plot formulaic and the ambiguous ending divisive, earning it a 54/100 on Metacritic and a āBāā CinemaScore. Despite this, the film found a second life on streaming platforms. In 2024, it topped Netflixās 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, itās 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 Washingtonās upcoming projects, such as Spike Leeās Highest 2 Lowest or Othello (2025). Additionally, labeling the film as a āprison thrillerā or āhorrorā 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 Washingtonās commanding presence, paired with Malek and Letoās 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 youāre 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 Washingtonās 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, itās the small details that haunt us the most.
