Introducing The Little Things (2021): A Gritty Neo-Noir Thriller Starring Denzel Washington

The Little Things (2021) is a brooding, neo-noir psychological crime thriller that delves into the complexities of obsession, guilt, and the murky pursuit of justice. Directed and written by John Lee Hancock, the film boasts an all-star cast led by Denzel Washington, alongside Rami Malek and Jared Leto, all Academy Award winners. Set in the early 1990s Los Angeles, this slow-burn drama captures the gritty essence of classic serial killer thrillers like Se7en and Zodiac, while carving its own path with a provocative, ambiguous narrative. Released on January 29, 2021, both in theaters and on HBO Max, The Little Things remains a compelling, if divisive, entry in Denzel Washington’s illustrious filmography. Here’s everything you need to know about this haunting crime drama.

The Story

Set against the backdrop of a gritty 1990s Los Angeles, The Little Things follows Joe “Deke” Deacon (Denzel Washington), a weathered deputy sheriff from Kern County, California, who returns to his former stomping grounds for a routine evidence-gathering task. Once a celebrated homicide detective, Deke’s career was derailed by a traumatic case that left him broken and relegated to a quieter life. His assignment takes an unexpected turn when he’s drawn into a high-stakes investigation led by hotshot LASD detective Jim Baxter (Rami Malek), who is hunting a serial killer responsible for a string of brutal murders targeting young women.

As the two detectives track their prime suspect, Albert Sparma (Jared Leto), a creepy and enigmatic loner, the investigation becomes a psychological chess game. Sparma’s taunting demeanor keeps Deke and Baxter guessing, while the case unearths painful echoes of Deke’s past, threatening to unravel both men. The film builds tension through its meticulous pacing, moody cinematography, and a series of twists, culminating in a controversial ending that leaves viewers questioning the nature of justice and morality. Without spoiling the finale, the story challenges conventional thriller tropes, focusing on the emotional toll of police work and the elusive nature of truth.

The Cast

The Little Things is elevated by its powerhouse trio of leads:

• Denzel Washington as Joe “Deke” Deacon, delivering a restrained yet deeply affecting performance as a haunted detective grappling with past mistakes. Washington’s nuanced portrayal, marked by quiet intensity and heartbreak, anchors the film.
• Rami Malek as Jim Baxter, the ambitious, by-the-book detective whose idealism is tested by the case’s moral complexities. Malek’s performance, while polarizing for its eccentric delivery, adds an intriguing contrast to Washington’s grounded presence.
• Jared Leto as Albert Sparma, the unsettling suspect whose erratic behavior and cryptic taunts steal scenes. Leto’s Golden Globe-nominated performance is both theatrical and chilling, keeping audiences on edge.
  Supporting roles include Natalie Morales as Detective Jamie Estrada, Chris Bauer as Detective Sal Rizoli, and Michael Hyatt as coroner Flo Dunigan, with smaller but impactful performances by Sofia Vassilieva, Maya Kazan, and Denzel’s daughter Olivia Washington in her first onscreen role alongside her father. The ensemble adds depth to the film’s grim world, though the focus remains on the three leads.

Themes and Style

The Little Things is a throwback to the 1990s neo-noir thrillers, blending psychological depth with procedural grit. The film explores themes of obsession, guilt, and the moral compromises inherent in the pursuit of justice. Deke’s mantra, “It’s the little things that get you caught,” underscores the story’s focus on small details—both in detective work and in the personal toll it exacts. The narrative draws parallels to Se7en and Insomnia, emphasizing character-driven drama over action spectacle, though it diverges with its ambiguous resolution.

Visually, the film is steeped in moody, dim-lit aesthetics, with cinematographer John Schwartzman crafting an ominous atmosphere through shadowy Los Angeles streets and desolate desert scenes. Thomas Newman’s sparse, experimental score complements the film’s tension, though some critics noted its uneven fit with the visuals. The editing, with frequent cuts, can feel jarring, but the set design and color grading evoke a gritty, retro vibe that suits the 1990s setting. The choice to keep the story in the pre-DNA, pre-cell phone era heightens the investigative challenges, grounding the film in a tactile, analog world.

Production and Development

Written by John Lee Hancock in 1993, The Little Things languished in development hell for nearly three decades, with directors like Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, Warren Beatty, and Danny DeVito attached at various points. Hancock ultimately took the helm, with principal photography occurring in Los Angeles from September to December 2019. Produced by Hancock and Mark Johnson for Warner Bros., the film had an estimated $30 million budget and grossed $30.8 million worldwide, a modest return impacted by its pandemic-era release.

The film’s simultaneous theatrical and HBO Max debut, part of Warner Bros.’ 2021 hybrid strategy, sparked industry debate but boosted its visibility, with 1.4 million households streaming it over its opening weekend. Despite its commercial success, the film’s 41% Rotten Tomatoes score reflects mixed critical reception, with praise for the performances but criticism for its pacing, editing, and cryptic ending.

Why It Stands Out

• Denzel Washington’s Performance: Washington’s portrayal of Deke is a masterclass in understated intensity, conveying profound grief and resolve with minimal dialogue. His scenes, particularly one with his ex-wife, are emotionally wrenching.
• All-Star Cast: The trio of Washington, Malek, and Leto delivers compelling, if uneven, performances, with Leto’s creepy charisma earning a Golden Globe nomination.
• Neo-Noir Aesthetic: The film’s moody visuals and retro setting evoke classic thrillers, appealing to fans of the genre despite its flaws.
• Provocative Ending: The ambiguous finale, explained by Hancock in a 2021 Entertainment Weekly interview, challenges expectations and sparks debate, making it a polarizing yet memorable conclusion.
• Psychological Depth: The focus on the detectives’ inner struggles and moral dilemmas sets it apart from action-heavy thrillers, offering a meditative take on the cost of obsession.

Reception and Legacy

The Little Things divided critics and audiences. Supporters, like David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter, praised the performances and dark allure, while detractors, including The Guardian, called it drab and self-serious, criticizing its failure to balance thrilling and thoughtful elements. The film’s 67% audience Popcornmeter score on Rotten Tomatoes suggests stronger fan appreciation, particularly for Washington’s star power and Leto’s unsettling turn. Its resurgence on Netflix in 2024, topping charts for over a week, underscores its enduring appeal as a streaming hit, even if it’s considered a lesser entry in Washington’s catalog.

The film’s development history, taking 28 years to reach screens, adds intrigue, reflecting Hollywood’s challenges with original, non-IP-driven projects. Its 1990s setting, retained from the original script, gives it a nostalgic feel but also contributed to perceptions of it being dated. Fans on X have echoed Washington’s ability to elevate flawed material, with some calling it an emotional experience despite the film’s shortcomings.

Availability

The Little Things is available for streaming on Max (as of December 2024, following its departure from Netflix) and can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango at Home. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available.

Final Thoughts

The Little Things (2021) is a flawed yet captivating neo-noir thriller that showcases Denzel Washington’s unmatched ability to elevate complex, troubled characters. While its slow pacing, uneven editing, and ambiguous ending may not satisfy everyone, the film’s strong performances, atmospheric visuals, and introspective take on the psychological toll of detective work make it a worthwhile watch for fans of crime dramas. Whether you’re drawn to Washington’s soulful intensity, Leto’s eerie unpredictability, or the genre’s gritty allure, The Little Things offers a thought-provoking, if imperfect, journey into the shadows of justice.

Stream or rent The Little Things today to experience this star-driven thriller and decide for yourself whether its twists and moral questions hit the mark!