The Little Things Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A cop with ghosts comes to LA, annoys a younger cop, they harass Jared Leto until someone accidentally dies, and then Denzel buys a hair clip for closure…maybe.

🍿 The Little Things: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Deputy Deacon’s Return to Los Angeles

Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe ‘Deke’ Deacon, played by Denzel Washington, is dispatched to Los Angeles to retrieve evidence for a case. Deke is a former LAPD detective with a troubled past. His arrival is met with mixed reactions, especially from his former colleagues who are aware of a past case that haunted him, leading to his departure from the force. While in Los Angeles, Deke becomes involved in a new serial killer investigation led by Sergeant Jim Baxter (Rami Malek). Baxter, despite initial reservations, is drawn to Deke’s sharp instincts and experience, particularly the similarities between the current case and Deke’s unresolved past case.

The Hunt for Sparma

As the investigation progresses, Deke and Baxter focus on Albert Sparma (Jared Leto), a peculiar repair shop employee who exhibits behaviors that align with the profile of the killer. Sparma becomes their prime suspect, though solid evidence remains elusive. Sparma relishes the attention, engaging in mind games and taunting the detectives, blurring the lines between suspicion and genuine involvement. The detectives’ obsession with Sparma intensifies, leading them to circumvent legal boundaries in their pursuit of justice. Deke and Baxter conduct an illegal search of Sparma’s apartment, further fueling their belief in his guilt, despite the lack of concrete proof. Their desperation to solve the case mirrors Deke’s past failures, raising questions about the true nature of their motivations.

Tragedy in the Desert

The situation escalates when Sparma offers to lead Baxter to the location of a missing victim’s body. In a remote desert area, Sparma’s psychological manipulation pushes Baxter to his breaking point. Overcome with rage and frustration, Baxter kills Sparma with a shovel during a heated confrontation. Deke arrives on the scene and, recognizing the gravity of the situation, helps Baxter cover up the crime. A flashback reveals that Deke himself had previously covered up an accidental shooting during his time with the LAPD, adding a layer of moral complexity to his actions.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joe ‘Deke’ Deacon (Denzel Washington): A burnt-out deputy sheriff haunted by a past case, who becomes embroiled in a new serial killer investigation in Los Angeles.
• Jim Baxter (Rami Malek): An ambitious LASD detective who seeks Deke’s help in solving a series of murders, leading him down a dark path.
• Albert Sparma (Jared Leto): A creepy and enigmatic repair store worker who becomes the prime suspect in the serial killer case.
• Detective Sal Rizoli (Chris Bauer): A fellow detective who knows of Deke’s past and is cautious around him.
• Captain Carl Farris (Terry Kinney): Deke’s former boss who warns Baxter about Deke’s troubled history and urges him to stay away.
• Flo Dunigan (Michael Hyatt): The coroner who assisted in covering up the truth of Deacon’s past case.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joe ‘Deke’ Deacon: “It’s the little things that are important, Jimmy. It’s the little things that get you caught.” – Deke explains to Baxter that attention to detail is crucial in solving cases.
• Joe ‘Deke’ Deacon: “It’s the little things that rip you apart.” – Deke warns Baxter about the toll that obsessive focus can take on a person.
• Albert Sparma: “I’m a crime buff.” – Sparma’s unsettlingly nonchalant description of his fascination with crime while being questioned by detectives.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $30,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $15,342,746
• Worldwide Gross: $30,842,746

💥 The Little Things Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a modern ‘Se7en’, and while it wasn’t quite that, I still found it compelling. Denzel is always amazing, and Jared Leto really nailed the creepy factor. The ending was a bit of a letdown – I wanted more resolution – but it definitely left me thinking. It’s one of those movies that sticks with you, even if you’re not entirely sure *why*. I loved the scenes where Denzel’s character was haunted by the ghosts of the past. Really powerful stuff. And the dynamic between Denzel and Rami Malek was fascinating – the old guard versus the new, both battling their own demons. Definitely worth a watch if you’re into dark crime thrillers.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers and detective stories”
  • “Viewers who enjoy movies with ambiguous endings”
  • “Admirers of Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto”
  • “Those interested in psychological dramas with complex characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Brief female nudity”
  • “Suggestive Content”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “While elevated by committed performances, ‘The Little Things’ leans heavily on genre tropes and offers little originality in its exploration of guilt and obsession, resulting in a watchable but ultimately forgettable thriller.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “Despite the star power of Washington, Malek, and Leto, ‘The Little Things’ suffers from a predictable plot and a lack of genuine suspense, failing to deliver the gritty, atmospheric crime drama it promises.
• Chicago Sun-Times: “Denzel Washington delivers another compelling performance in this well-crafted crime thriller, though the ambiguous ending may leave some viewers unsatisfied. Jared Leto is suitably creepy, adding to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.

Audience Reactions

Jared Leto’s unsettling performance stole the show, adding a layer of palpable creepiness.: Many viewers praised the strong performances from the three leads, especially Jared Leto’s portrayal of Albert Sparma.

The ambiguous ending sparked debate and discussion, leaving viewers pondering the true nature of justice and obsession.: The film’s ending was divisive, with some appreciating its unconventional approach and others finding it frustratingly unresolved.

Overall Consensus: A dark and atmospheric crime thriller elevated by strong performances, but ultimately hampered by a predictable plot and ambiguous ending that divides audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The script was written by John Lee Hancock in 1993 but remained unproduced for many years.”
• “Clint Eastwood was initially considered to direct and star in the film in the 1990s.”
• “Steven Spielberg also expressed interest in directing the film at one point.”
• “The film’s ambiguous ending was a deliberate choice to reflect the complexities and uncertainties of real-life investigations.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Little Things?

The Little Things is available for purchase or rental on platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable availability. It can also be found on physical media like Blu-ray and DVD through major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Little Things, you might like these similar films:

• Se7en (1995): Both films explore the dark side of human nature through a serial killer investigation and feature a seasoned detective mentoring a younger one.
• Zodiac (2007): Like ‘The Little Things,’ ‘Zodiac’ focuses on the frustrating and often inconclusive nature of a long-term serial killer investigation.
• Prisoners (2013): This film shares a thematic similarity in exploring how far someone will go for justice when the system fails, and the moral compromises they make.
• True Detective (Season 1) (2014): It is a series with a dark, atmospheric crime drama with complex characters and a mystery that delves into the psychological toll on the detectives involved.

🛒 The Little Things Related Products

• The Little Things (Blu-ray): Own the physical copy of the movie, and dive deeper into the behind the scenes of the movie, includes deleted scenes, commentaries and features for a deeper dive into the film
• Denzel Washington: A Biography: Learn about the life and career of Denzel Washington, delving into his most iconic roles and the impact he has had on Hollywood.
• True Detective: The Complete First Season (Blu-ray): If you enjoyed ‘The Little Things’, this show is a good supplement for the genre. It’s packed with twists and turns for a season of crime and horror.
• Crime Scene: The Vanishing at the Cecil Hotel: In this true crime documentary, a hotel’s dark past is explored, giving some of the same dark and realistic vibes as The Little Things. This will be a good supplement to watch after the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Little Things features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Roam” – performed by The B-52’s
• “Main Title” – performed by Thomas Newman
• “Sparma” – performed by Thomas Newman

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

THE LITTLE THINGS Ending Explained & 17 Clues Who the Real Killer Is

Curious about the real killer in “The Little Things”? This video breaks down the ending and provides 17 clues to help you solve the mystery. Dive deep into the film’s thrilling conclusion and uncover the truth!

The Little Things – Movie Review

Check out what popular movie reviewer Jeremy Jahns thinks about “The Little Things.” He shares his insights and opinions, giving you a fresh perspective on the film.

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