What is the story behind The Little Things?
Set in the early 1990s Los Angeles, The Little Things is a neo-noir psychological crime thriller. It follows Joe “Deke” Deacon (played by Denzel Washington), a burnt-out deputy sheriff who teams up with Jim Baxter (played by Rami Malek), a younger, eager detective. Together, they hunt for a serial killer who has been terrorizing the city.
Now, why do people wonder if it’s based on true events? Well, the story has all the right elements—gritty detective work, a mysterious killer, and the tension-filled streets of LA in the 90s. It plays on that classic detective-versus-killer dynamic, which we’ve seen in real-life crime stories. But remember, The Little Things is purely fiction. John Lee Hancock wrote the script back in the 1990s, long before it hit theaters in 2021, so this thriller comes straight from his imagination.
Who was the real killer in The Little Things?
One of the burning questions everyone has after watching is, “Who was the real killer in The Little Things?” Here’s the twist: the movie never definitively tells us! That’s right, there’s no clear answer, which leaves viewers with plenty of room to speculate.
Throughout the film, Albert Sparma (played by Jared Leto) is the prime suspect. He’s creepy, he’s weird, and he seems to enjoy messing with the detectives. But did he actually do it? The movie intentionally leaves it vague, adding to the suspense. This ambiguity is one of the reasons the film has received mixed reviews. Some fans enjoy the open-ended nature, while others are left frustrated by the lack of closure.
If you’re looking for a concrete answer, sorry—The Little Things isn’t going to give you one. But it’s part of what makes the movie stick in your head long after the credits roll.
Will there be a part 2 of The Little Things?
Given the open-ended nature of the film, it’s natural to wonder, “Will there be a part 2 of The Little Things?” As of now, there hasn’t been any official word on a sequel. The ending leaves enough unresolved that a follow-up could definitely happen, but there’s no guarantee.
What we do know is that the movie earned around $30.8 million worldwide, which isn’t a huge box office success. However, considering it was released during a time when theaters were just reopening and also available on HBO Max, that number might not tell the whole story.
If fans demand it, who knows? We might see Joe Deacon and Jim Baxter return to the screen, possibly to face off against another twisted criminal—or even to finally get some closure on the Sparma case.
Is All The Little Things based on a true story?
We get it—it’s hard to believe that such a tense and gripping film isn’t based on real events. But to be clear: Is All The Little Things based on a true story? No, the entire plot is a work of fiction. While the film gives us a glimpse into the world of law enforcement and crime-solving, it’s entirely made up. There are no real cases or criminals tied to the events in the movie.
However, it’s important to note that the movie’s director and writer, John Lee Hancock, has a knack for creating stories that feel like they could be true. His attention to detail and character development gives audiences a sense of authenticity, even in fictional worlds.
Do Dhruv and Kavya break up?
You might be scratching your head at this point, thinking, “Wait, what do Dhruv and Kavya have to do with The Little Things?” The truth is, they don’t. Dhruv and Kavya are characters from the Indian web series Little Things on Netflix. While the titles are similar, they are entirely different shows. In case you’re still curious, Dhruv and Kavya have a rollercoaster relationship throughout the series, but they don’t end up breaking up for good.
Why the mixed critical reception?
While The Little Things impressed some viewers with its performances and atmosphere, critics were divided on the story itself. Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto are all praised for their acting, with Jared Leto’s eerie portrayal of Albert Sparma standing out. Despite this, the screenplay and the unresolved nature of the plot left many feeling unsatisfied.
Some critics argued that the movie’s screenplay lacked originality, following too closely in the footsteps of earlier crime thrillers. Others felt that the ambiguity at the end was frustrating, leaving too many questions unanswered. Still, for fans of slow-burning, character-driven thrillers, The Little Things hits the mark.
Cast of The Little Things
The cast of The Little Things is filled with talented actors who bring the suspenseful story to life. Denzel Washington plays Joe “Deke” Deacon, a seasoned deputy sheriff with a troubled past. Rami Malek stars as Jim Baxter, the ambitious younger detective. Jared Leto portrays the creepy and mysterious Albert Sparma, a suspect in the investigation. These three actors form the core of the film, delivering intense performances. Supporting roles include Chris Bauer, Michael Hyatt, and Natalie Morales, all adding depth to the film’s tense atmosphere.
| Actor | Character Portrayed |
|---|---|
| Denzel Washington | Joe “Deke” Deacon |
| Rami Malek | Jim Baxter |
| Jared Leto | Albert Sparma |
| Chris Bauer | Detective Sal Rizoli |
| Michael Hyatt | Flo Dunigan |
| Terry Kinney | LASD Captain Carl Farris |
| Natalie Morales | Detective Jamie Estrada |
| Isabel Arraiza | Ana Baxter |
| Joris Jarsky | Sergeant Rogers |
| Glenn Morshower | Captain Henry Davis |
The Little Things (2021): A Quick Recap
- Director: John Lee Hancock
- Stars: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto
- Genre: Neo-noir psychological crime thriller
- Setting: 1990s Los Angeles
- Budget: $30 million, Box Office: $30.8 million worldwide
- Release Date: January 29, 2021, in theaters and on HBO Max
- Accolades: Jared Leto received Golden Globe and SAG nominations for Best Supporting Actor
- Reception: Mixed, praised for acting, criticized for screenplay
Final Thoughts on The Little Things
Even though The Little Things is not based on a true story, it still packs a punch. With its eerie atmosphere, strong performances, and unresolved ending, it’s a film that leaves you thinking long after it’s over. And while we may never know for sure who the real killer was, that’s part of what makes it so gripping.
Whether you’re a fan of crime thrillers or just looking for a suspenseful movie to watch, The Little Things is worth checking out on Netflix or HBO Max. It’s not your typical detective story, and maybe that’s what makes it stand out.
For more facts and to check other stories, visit Istruestory, and find out if other movies are based on true events at Is True Story.
I am Jeremy Jahns – Your Cinematic Explorer
Immerse in movie reviews, Hollywood insights, and behind-the-scenes stories.
