Denzel Washington, Jared Leto, and Remi Malik deliver captivating and unforgettable performances in the new thriller “The Little Things.” The script was reportedly written over three decades ago by John Lee Hancock, who has since been involved in writing, directing, and producing several significant films. The film takes place in 1990 and centers on Joe Deacon (Denzel Washington), a police officer traveling from his small California town to Los Angeles to gather information about a suspect. Joe has a history with the L.A. department, having previously worked as a homicide detective; however, his obsession with an unsolved murder case led to personal problems and some negative attention. Jim Baxter (Remi Malik) is a young, ambitious Detective leading the investigation into a series of murders. When Joe accompanies Jim to a new crime scene, he notices parallels to his own past case. Taking time off, Joe begins investigating independently and sharing his findings with Jim, which forces him to confront the events that contributed to his marital, health, and career difficulties as he struggles to abandon the investigation. When an initial suspect is eliminated, suspicion turns to Albert (Jared Leto), a crime enthusiast who seems to fit the profile but also appears to be deliberately provoking Joe. This leads Jim to question whether Albert is genuinely involved or simply an eccentric individual who enjoys taunting law enforcement without committing any crimes. The unfolding dynamic between the characters is heightened by the fact that this story occurs before the widespread use of cell phones, DNA testing, GPS tracking, and advanced computer systems, emphasizing the challenges faced by the officers. A modern setting would significantly diminish the suspense and uncertainty inherent in both the narrative and the characters’ situations due to technological advancements. As the cat-and-mouse game progresses, Jim observes how a person can become consumed by a case while Joe attempts to guide him based on his own experiences—including some morally ambiguous choices. Beyond the strong acting and compelling plot, “The Little Things” succeeds because it avoids typical Hollywood action sequences like extended gunfights, car chases, and over-the-top action. Instead, it portrays realistic and flawed characters making what they believe are the right decisions, without offering a neat resolution. The film uses doubt to propel both the story forward and shape the characters' actions, highlighting that uncertainty is often present in investigations and that with the limited resources available at the time, conclusions aren’t always clear-cut. “The Little Things” will be released in theaters and on HBO Max; it’s a gripping and skillfully made thriller worth seeing. 4.5 stars out of 5

Source on TMDB