Rami Malek, known for his versatile acting skills, takes a significant step in his career by starring alongside the legendary Denzel Washington in the crime thriller, “The Little Things.” The movie, released amid a backdrop of high expectations, showcases Malek’s talent as Detective Jimmy Baxter. He joins forces with veteran officer Joe “Deke” Deacon, portrayed by Washington, to solve a baffling series of murders in Los Angeles. Their journey becomes complicated as Deacon begins to see eerie similarities to a cold case that has haunted him for years, raising suspicions about a potential killer lurking in the present investigation.
Tackling director John Lee Hancock’s long-conceived story, the film presents a mix of swift and sluggish pacing, peppered with jarring edits. Despite structural challenges, Malek’s and Washington’s compelling performances anchor the narrative. Regular crime fiction tropes of seasoned detectives paired with rookie cops are refreshed; Malek’s Baxter teeters on an emotional edge, contrasting Washington’s seasoned but haunted Deacon. This dynamic vividly unfolds in a scene where Baxter probes Deacon’s beliefs. With a poignant line delivered by Deacon—”When I see a sunrise or thunderstorm or dew on the ground, yes, I think there’s a God. When I see all this, I think he’s long past giving a shit”—Washington’s gravitas elevates the moment, lending depth typically reserved for singular performances.
Adding to the tension is Jared Leto, playing Albert Sparma, a suspect whose unsettling presence tests the detectives. Leto’s portrayal is a masterclass in simmering menace. His ability to provoke through subtle dialogue and flippant demeanor enhances the film’s intensity. Leto, reflecting on his experience, acknowledged the challenge of performing with Malek and Washington, describing it as both intimidating and exciting, a testament to their combined skill brought forth in a video breakdown for the Academy Awards.
Remarkably, Hancock wrote “The Little Things” thirty years prior, with a vision that included notable figures like Steven Spielberg as director and stars Clint Eastwood and Danny DeVito. The script endured development limbo, only to resurface when Hancock collaborated with Washington on other projects. “Denzel was my first choice,” Hancock shared with Deadline, emphasizing their professional rapport and mutual respect cultivated over previous rewrites and brainstorming sessions. Washington, captivated by the script, joined the project, invigorating Hancock’s long-held vision.
The film faced further hurdles with its 2021 release strategy. Warner Bros.’s decision to concurrently launch films in theaters and on HBO Max spurred industry backlash, positioning “The Little Things” as a litmus test of this hybrid model. Released in January, a notoriously difficult month for adult dramas, the film had the additional challenge of attracting an audience amidst shifting viewing behaviors. Still, it captured a reasonable opening weekend, cementing its place as a noteworthy showcase for Malek’s and Washington’s talents.
Casting Rami Malek alongside Denzel Washington not only elevated “The Little Things” but illuminated Malek’s capacity to hold his own in the presence of seasoned actors. His portrayal of Detective Baxter reveals a deft blend of intensity and vulnerability, captivating viewers and underscoring his growth as a performer. The film stands as both a nuanced procedural and a stage where Malek’s potential shines. As the storyline unfolds, viewers are left contemplating the echoes of unresolved cases and the harrowing realities detectives face, rendered vividly through Malek’s portrayal.
In the end, “The Little Things” is more than a thriller; it is a testament to perseverance, showcasing Rami Malek’s continued rise and leaving audiences eagerly anticipating his future endeavors in cinema. The partnership of Malek, Washington, and Leto, under Hancock’s direction, creates a charged narrative exploring justice’s complexities and the psychological toll on those who seek it. The film invites discussions about truths buried in the past and the relentless pursuit of redemption, embodied masterfully through Malek’s compelling character work.
