The Little Things
Warner Bros. | Release Date: January 29, 2021
5.7
USER SCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 159 Ratings
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Positive:
58
Mixed:
76
Negative:
25
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6
tropicAcesJan 29, 2021
Not really sure what Rami Malek was going for here but he just clenches his jaw and puckers his lips the whole time. Jared Leto is effective. Denzel is... there. Ending kind of disappointing, but still solid-enough stuff.
3 of 3 users found this helpful30
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5
PdfortuneJan 30, 2021
Leto could have had a legendary role as an ultra creepy guy. Malik in Washington are solid. The story in very weak, and the ending was even weaker. There are a lot of Little and Big things wrong with the movie. Sadly, it is super forgettable.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
manningn15Jan 31, 2021
The Little Things was pretty good. The neo-noir atmosphere was cool. The writing was good but didn't really stand out compared to other similar movies. Jared Leto, Rami Malek, and Denzel Washington gave phenomenal performances. NatalieThe Little Things was pretty good. The neo-noir atmosphere was cool. The writing was good but didn't really stand out compared to other similar movies. Jared Leto, Rami Malek, and Denzel Washington gave phenomenal performances. Natalie Morales gave a pretty great performance as well. The makeup and hairstyling was superb especially on Jared Leto. The costumes were great especially on Rami Malek. The props were outstanding especially the cars. The music was excellent. Overall a pretty good movie just not super unique.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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6
umaumaiJan 30, 2021
It’s mildly compelling at best. None of the characters’ actions or motivations make any sense, even with the twist that’s supposed to bring this “thriller” all together. Maybe it could be called a character study, but as bewildering as thisIt’s mildly compelling at best. None of the characters’ actions or motivations make any sense, even with the twist that’s supposed to bring this “thriller” all together. Maybe it could be called a character study, but as bewildering as this movie was put together you could still see the final moments coming. It feels like they were going for “up-beat” as it rolls credits, especially in the music cue, and that for me felt like a very wrong direction with the current climate in regards to law enforcement. I know there isn’t a lot of new content out there right now, but this is skippable. Rewatch “Seven” and “Zodiac” and you have most of what this movie draws from.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
shoulderoforionFeb 1, 2021
Better than bad, but not great, this movie is all about Denzel who is top notch, with less than excellent performances by Leto (who is going for a Se7en vibe but doesn't nail it) and Malik (as some jittery [why so jittery dude] cop), whoseBetter than bad, but not great, this movie is all about Denzel who is top notch, with less than excellent performances by Leto (who is going for a Se7en vibe but doesn't nail it) and Malik (as some jittery [why so jittery dude] cop), whose performances I've yet to enjoy in anything he's done). The reveal is eye roll inducing, and I think I audibly said "nahhhhhh, really, really??"… Expand
0 of 1 users found this helpful01
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5
TVJerryJan 30, 2021
This film is set in the 90s, when serial killer thrillers were at their peak. This effort echoes that genre, but without the edge. Denzel Washington stars as a Deputy Sheriff haunted by his past, who travels to LA for a quick assignment. OfThis film is set in the 90s, when serial killer thrillers were at their peak. This effort echoes that genre, but without the edge. Denzel Washington stars as a Deputy Sheriff haunted by his past, who travels to LA for a quick assignment. Of course, this develops into a full-fledged manhunt as he partners with upstart detective (Ramy Malek). The prime suspect is played by an almost unrecognizable Jared Leto, who transformed himself into a greasy, gross sleazebag and the movie’s only interesting character. This genre usually includes some graphic and sometimes sick crimes to add an element of shock. Sadly, this killer’s cases are bland enuff for a TV show. To make matters even duller, there’s virtually no suspense and the final encounter pushes credibility. What’s left is character and relationship development, neither of which offered much more than solid performances from the cast. A bland procedural.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
dharmaMar 6, 2021
An outdated film literally written in the 90's. Released then, it would have been acceptable. But released now with its onslaught of Prestige TV, it became a toothless thriller with no sense of suspense or drama, despite its stellar casts. IAn outdated film literally written in the 90's. Released then, it would have been acceptable. But released now with its onslaught of Prestige TV, it became a toothless thriller with no sense of suspense or drama, despite its stellar casts. I heard that Denzel was upset for having this flick being released directly on streaming on the same day in the cinemas. If it was the case, it would have been his biggest flop in his career. Watch at your own peril.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
Compi24Jan 30, 2021
A noted passion project of writer/director John Lee Hancock's that's been in the making for somewhere around 30 years, "The Little Things" definitely has all the surface-level elements to convince you of that eponymous passion. The cast isA noted passion project of writer/director John Lee Hancock's that's been in the making for somewhere around 30 years, "The Little Things" definitely has all the surface-level elements to convince you of that eponymous passion. The cast is stacked with Oscar winners. The cinematography is evocative and appropriately seedy. Even the soundtrack finds Thomas Newman operating at a relatively notable level. The problem here is that when you really dig into the intangibles of this picture, you really start to understand how badly this movie needed to be produced in its initial heyday - the 1990's. From the familiar structure, to the trope-y stylings littered throughout, to the deeply problematic nature of the film's conclusion, all of it sings of a movie from years ago that's watchable, but really hasn't aged all that well. Problem is, this movie was produced in the present day, thus making its issues even more flagrant. It's not terrible, but really, truly needed a second look in the pre-production phase of things.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
Voodoo123Feb 21, 2023
The superb cast and cinematography provide a boost to an otherwise very average crime drama. In such an oversaturated genre there is little original material here although I greatly appreciated the ambiguity of who the killer truly is. WhileThe superb cast and cinematography provide a boost to an otherwise very average crime drama. In such an oversaturated genre there is little original material here although I greatly appreciated the ambiguity of who the killer truly is. While the screenplay teases us with scenes discussing physical evidence, intriguing character backstories and a few tense cat and mouse sequences, none of it never really bares much fruit. Maybe a berry or two though!! Worth a watch for genre fans or fans of the cast.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
Brent_MarchantFeb 11, 2021
Cop-with-a-past thrillers centered on resolving cold cases may have provided some intriguing entertainment options in the past, but, over time, they have become so cliched that it makes one wonder "What's the point?", as is the case with thisCop-with-a-past thrillers centered on resolving cold cases may have provided some intriguing entertainment options in the past, but, over time, they have become so cliched that it makes one wonder "What's the point?", as is the case with this latest lackluster addition to the genre. Its formulaic approach, uninteresting and unengaging story line, and plot twists that are easily spotted from a distance epitomize the triteness that has come to characterize many recent films of this ilk. And, despite a seemingly stellar cast, the performances leave much to be desired; Denzel Washington and Rami Malek could have phoned in their portrayals, and Jared Leto's much-heralded but overrated performance is capable enough in spite of the implausibly written lines he's called upon to deliver. If movies of this type are your thing, you might find it enjoyable, even though it pales in comparison to many of its much better predecessors. And, if such offerings are not high on your list of preferences, there's no point in tuning in for this one.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
Q8MarrongGlaceFeb 12, 2021
Denzel Washington what made me watch this movie unfortunately I am not a fan of complicated nor open endings! plot has been repeated yet you have to search for an explanation that movie would be much better .. what a waste !!
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
MattBrady99Feb 8, 2022
The biggest crime that has ever been committed wasn’t even in the movie itself, but having a cast like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, with a promising concept of a murder mystery and it turned out to be…whatever.

I mean theThe biggest crime that has ever been committed wasn’t even in the movie itself, but having a cast like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto, with a promising concept of a murder mystery and it turned out to be…whatever.

I mean the performances were decent at least, even if Rami Malek felt a bit out of place here.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
RalfbergsApr 25, 2021
While the story overall might have been good and interesting and the acting was great here, the movie itself when watching started to feel boring so often and stretched out that yeah something was missing, the suspense they tried to went forWhile the story overall might have been good and interesting and the acting was great here, the movie itself when watching started to feel boring so often and stretched out that yeah something was missing, the suspense they tried to went for there felt more like very long "cat chasing the mouse" type of stuff with just following each other and driving around. Plus I assume I will forget that such movie even existed very soon too… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
andre27Sep 13, 2021
Eu gostei do filme, os personagens são bons e o enredo é interessante mas ao mesmo tempo confuso. Adorei o antagonista mas não entendi certos fluxos do filme o que torna o filme não tão bom.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
H473NMITFeb 1, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I think that the ending was ok, but the overall story could have been better. Malek's character should have been an older character and the father or the husband of the girl that Denzel's character had accidentally shot. The story would have played out somewhat similar, with the detective joining the force, but joining in order to find his daughter or wife's killer while still replacing Denzel's character. At the end, he would have found out from Leto's character, as he was a "crime buff", that Denzel's character was actually the one that had killed his daughter or wife. This re-telling would have led to a larger reveal at the end. It would have also played into the whole, "the past becomes the future becomes the past" .… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
berylekmotylekDec 14, 2021
ten film to żart i doskonałe epitafium dla wszystkich niedokończonych gniotów wypuszczonych na siłę w późnym 2020 dla podreperowania budżetów wytwórni rozmaitych
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
JLuis_001Feb 5, 2021
Three Academy Awards winners are unable to lift and bring this incredibly poor thriller to life.

And I'm a sucker for these kinds of stories, however, and what's terrible about this one, is that it's whole ordeal is mostly boring. TheThree Academy Awards winners are unable to lift and bring this incredibly poor thriller to life.

And I'm a sucker for these kinds of stories, however, and what's terrible about this one, is that it's whole ordeal is mostly boring.

The mystery never becomes engaging, or at least for me, it wasn't catchy enough to feel yourself involved in the outcome.
And the shadow of the obsession that permeates the characters is very weak.

Denzel Washington doesn't even try, while Rami Malek is devastatingly unconvincing, and Jared Leto tries to be creepy but most of the time he just looks **** stoned. HBO Max will undoubtedly release a lot of these fillers, but it's nothing different than what Netflix, Hulu or Disney+ have been doing. If you have nothing to watch this weekend, consider giving some of your time to see if it hooks you, beyond that, the rest is up to you.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
theredskyFeb 25, 2021
As the title suggests, it’s the little things that tank this movie. Typically, I love Rami Malek’s performances but here, you could have gotten a wooden door to act better than him. Every line he gives comes across as bland and boring and heAs the title suggests, it’s the little things that tank this movie. Typically, I love Rami Malek’s performances but here, you could have gotten a wooden door to act better than him. Every line he gives comes across as bland and boring and he puts hardly any emotion into his performance which really sucks. Denzel Washington did a decent job with what he was given and Jared Leto was pretty good. Leto stole the show in every scene he was in but it wasn’t enough to save the film. It’s a very confusing mess of a film. Nothing really makes sense and events kinda just happen without a lot of buildup except the ending. The ending was different and I wasn’t expecting it but it left me feeling unsatisfied. The whole movie is around a string of murders and it seems like the movie is taking you in that direction but instead it doesn’t explain anything. I’m okay with leaving a movie’s main killer ambiguous but it feels weird when the film builds up that we are gonna find out who it is and then doesn’t. The editing also was really choppy and pacing was all over the place. The beginning is incredibly slow and then the ending comes at breakneck speed. There were some well shot scenes, interesting color choices, and music but it isn’t enough to keep this film afloat. If you enjoy these actors or like murder mysterious then you might get something out of it but it might leave you feeling unsatisfied.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
Mauro_LanariMar 6, 2021
(Mauro Lanari)
Hancock seeks an encore of the previous "The Highwaymen", where he had mixed the atmosphere of the first season of "True Detective" and the role of losers for the couple of protagonists. Unfortunately this time he eliminates(Mauro Lanari)
Hancock seeks an encore of the previous "The Highwaymen", where he had mixed the atmosphere of the first season of "True Detective" and the role of losers for the couple of protagonists. Unfortunately this time he eliminates the first ingredient and dwells on the second, cloning Fincher: the biracial buddy cop movie evokes "Seven", the crazy search for truth evokes "Zodiac".… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
Stream2BigScreeJan 29, 2021
Long awaited and full a stars, The Little Things premieres on HBO Max, and we here at Stream to Big Screen finally got our chance to watch it. With three Academy Award winners like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto this film couldLong awaited and full a stars, The Little Things premieres on HBO Max, and we here at Stream to Big Screen finally got our chance to watch it. With three Academy Award winners like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek and Jared Leto this film could grad the attention of those Academy members and play well for general audiences. Let's see if this star-studded cast delivers the big performances to the theaters and streaming service.

The Little Things follows Deke (Washington) a burnt-out Kern County, CA deputy sheriff who begrudgingly teams up with Baxter (Malek) a young and talented LASD detective, to catch an elusive serial killer. And get this Deke has an eye for the "little things" *wink wink* that always seem to be eerily spot on. Yet, Deke likes to take his liberties with the rules, which entangles Baxter in an internal struggle, going against his otherwise by-the-book ways. Meanwhile, Deke is tormented by a dark secret from his past. Seems like a typical storyline we've seen. Old cop revisits his old stomping grounds to help solve a case he couldn't solve before. Alright, great, so you've already got me bored; but it's not that simple. The film uses the basic story and a slight twist ending to give you the feels, chills, aches, and palpitations. The movie moves along at a smooth but slow pace, always building but I felt like I never made it anywhere. I was fully invested but left hanging. I'm just living with the fact that some filmmakers really don't know how to end movies anymore. They've given up on originality, and they've given up good endings. It's a reality that us as viewers, and patrons, deserve better.

Trip: Let me interject on this point. I completely agree that this movie left me hanging. While I was generally conflicted the entire time because I felt like the film wanted to be 2021's version of Seven, but there's no real hook like the creep-factor that that movie had. Deke's secret is supposed to be the lynchpin that makes you wonder why he's so invested in the search for this serial killer, but that's not interesting enough to propel the film forward. The slow burn is fine, but it doesn't truly catch fire. Pardon the interruption.

S2S: You done?

Trip: blink... blink...

S2S: Okay, then. Outside of the storyline and plot, let's get to our leading stars. Leto is creepy, greasy, and not his best work. I'd watch him as the Joker again over this but he does bring his character to life in a subtle way. As for my guy, Rami, his character was in a way creeper than Leto's. Yes, he grows on you as the movie goes on but again not his best work, enjoyable but also meh.

Trip: Raises hand...

S2S: Yes.

Trip: Yeah, Rami is so creepy. I feel like that was bad casting. He did a good job, but he was miscast. To me, Leto was good, but I felt like he didn't have much to work with. I wish there as more of him.

S2S: Anyway, as for my guy Denzel, this is the closest thing we'll get to the Equalizer who doesn't fight anymore. This tells me that Denzel needs to step away from these cop roles for a bit and give us his full acting ability again. Again, his character is fine but really just meh. I can't tell if it was the writing or the directing that left our three stars going to leave you wanting more.

Trip: What he said.

Needless to say, The Little Things is a solid movie on execution until the end. In a way this slow burn of a film floats through in a pleasing way but the end taste is not satisfying. For those who want to go to the theater and risk Covid, save your money and yourself. For those who already have HBO Max, you can catch munch on a bowl of unsalted popcorn for this film.

Trip: The Little Things is an okay, paint-by-numbers detective chasing a serial killer movie, but it will leave you unsatisfied. I’d say it is fine to watch sitting at home on a lazy Sunday afternoon.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
POPCULTURETODAYFeb 3, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. After seeing the heavy marketing push for this film it was impossible for me to say that this film wasn’t on my radar. The Little Things is Warner Bros second movie to release day and date on HBO Max as well as theaters and out of all of these home releases from the past year I can happily say that I’m glad that I didn’t waste my time seeing this in theaters. The Little Things portrayed itself as this suspenseful thrilling crime drama about 2 cops trying to find a Californian serial killer in the 1990’s. With heavy hitting actors like Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto one would expect this to be an amazing film on the same caliber as something like “Seven” or “Zodiac”, but The Little Things does very little to invest the viewer like those films and if anything it made me feel as if I wasted 2 hours of my life for a story that doesn’t even matter by the end.
One would assume that the main focus of the film is trying to catch a serial killer. Well you wouldn’t be completely wrong. Here’s the thing; catching the killer is something that the audience needs to know is the goal of the cops, but that story arc is not the one that the movie wants the viewer to grasp. The film does an amazing job portraying itself as this game of cat and mouse, but ultimately it tries to be a character study. Specifically for the characters of Jimmy, played by Rami Malek, and Deke, played by Denzel Washington. I personally do not have issues with character studies, but when the characters the audience is supposed to follow are bland at best then it is hard to want to feel for them. I was very surprised when I came to the conclusion that the acting in this film was mediocre at best. Denzel and Rami were beyond boring in this film with Jared Leto actually being a great supporting actor. Going into this film I was expecting Oscar worthy performances, but instead I got Tweedledee and Tweedledum trying to solve a case. By the end the case isn’t even solved. You spent 2 hours watching a film hoping to catch this terrible person, but you don’t. It is heavily hinted at who the killer could be, but even then no one can definitely know who it is. The point that the movie is trying to convey is that everyone can be just as bad as the serial killer if you let yourself become that bad. A message that I didn’t need to waste 2 hours of my life to figure out. Ultimately The Little Things offers very little and it is a shame.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
1salamJan 30, 2021
The movie had many good elements: cinematography, music, suspense, acting... However, the story dragged and could have been much better. MOST important, the ending was terrible. Beacause of the ending, I would not recommend the movie,
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
straysinnerJan 29, 2021
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This crime-thriller endeavor ultimately and tragically wastes three great actors. It breaks down to a 2 hour long slog that never thrills but rather bores. Simply put, it retreads old ground about law enforcement officials that ride the line of of good intentions and hidden past truths.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
Candlejack84Feb 7, 2021
Fairly disappointing as I had high hopes for this. I ve missed this type of film being produced by Hollywood. The story itself was fairly bland and I didn't care enough about the characters to have any emotional investment in the outcome.Fairly disappointing as I had high hopes for this. I ve missed this type of film being produced by Hollywood. The story itself was fairly bland and I didn't care enough about the characters to have any emotional investment in the outcome. Seven, Copycat, Kiss The Girls, Zodiac and even Bone Collector (also starring Washington) are far superior to this film.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
davemelbourne58Feb 17, 2021
I think the cast was better than the script. It has it's moments, but it just didn't pack enough of a solid punch.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
CarlElmoreNov 24, 2022
It's just very boring. I don't remember a whole lot about this other than Rami was alright.
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