The Little Things

Two detectives join forces to track a brutal killer plaguing Los Angeles, but the case dredges up old wounds and unsettled secrets. Deputy Sheriff Deke Deacon travels from out of town and teams with veteran cop Jim Baxter, chasing a careful pattern of violence. Their pursuit leads them through night shifts, cluttered offices, and tense stakeouts as they weigh every clue and suspect. Baxter pushes for rapid progress while Deke quietly watches for inconsistencies that could expose hidden truths. The pursuit becomes personal as past choices surface, tugging at loyalties and ethics. The city hangs in the balance as investigations test whether justice can prevail without crossing dangerous lines for him. The tension lingers long after the final scene tonight, still.

Directed by John Lee Hancock, The Little Things is built from an original screenplay rather than adapting preexisting material for modern audiences. It was released in 2021 by Warner Bros, premiering in theaters and on HBO Max on January 29.

Worldwide box office receipts tally around 29.9 million, just shy of the 30 million budget. The numbers reflect a modest return for a suspenseful drama that found wider audiences through streaming after its theatrical window. Overall, reception remained modest throughout.

The film did not ignite a lasting cultural craze, but it contributed to the late night crime drama landscape with strong performances that drew attention to the moral tension in policing. Denzel Washington and Rami Malek give restrained, memorable work, while Jared Leto's turn drew mixed reactions for some viewers.

Critics generally praised the atmosphere and performances while noting a somber, morally gray approach to the pursuit. The film centers on obsession, guilt, and the ethical lines investigators cross, offering a tense look at how truth and memory shape justice. Its emphasis on memory and consequence resonates with audience expectations.