“The Little Things” adheres so closely to the conventions of a police procedural that it doesn't manage to distinguish itself. It easily blends in with other crime movies from recent decades or could be mistaken for an episode of “True Detective.” The narrative is recognizable, but the presence of a cast filled with award-winning performers does offer a slight boost to this fairly standard storyline. Experienced sheriff Joe Deacon (Denzel Washington) joins forces with police Sergeant Jim Baxter (Rami Malek) as they pursue a serial killer targeting women in Los Angeles. As the number of victims increases, their attention turns toward Albert (Jared Leto), an unsettling and unstable man who takes pleasure in manipulating law enforcement. The detectives undertake extensive efforts to identify the perpetrator, but the investigation stirs up a troubled past that reveals some of Deacon’s deeply concealed secrets. Within the realm of psychological crime thrillers, there's nothing particularly original on display here. The story is straightforward and uncomplicated, and even the twist isn’t surprising. Washington proves to be an excellent choice for the role of Deacon; he embodies a dependable veteran, and few actors working today possess his qualities. He complements Malik’s quiet intensity well, but they are overshadowed by Leto's performance. He excels at portraying deranged psychopaths, convincingly embodying the character as a disturbed killer through even his physical presence. The acting is the film’s most commendable aspect. Director John Lee Hancock makes a questionable decision to use 1960s rock music in several scenes, which feels just as jarring as the distracting and abrupt editing style. Some crime scene depictions are graphic and disturbing, contributing to an uneasy feeling throughout. The general tone of the movie is uncomfortable, and ultimately it seems rather futile. “The Little Things” isn’t a complete failure, but it's not among the stronger entries in its category. The screenplay (also by Hancock) caters to those who appreciate structured crime dramas, and should be enough for viewers who aren’t anticipating anything groundbreaking.

Source on TMDB