Netflix’s latest offering, “The Little Things,” has garnered such intense fear among viewers that some are switching it off within the first few minutes.
Recently added to the streaming platform, this Warner Bros. production is set in the 1990s and revolves around the investigation led by two police officers into a series of gruesome murders in Los Angeles.
As the narrative unfolds, the officers become entangled in a complex web of crime, deceit, and personal demons. Their pursuit of a serial killer evolves into a harrowing psychological journey, with each officer haunted by both the nature of the crimes and their own haunting pasts.
The movie’s synopsis encapsulates the plot: “Deputy Sheriff Joe ‘Deke’ Deacon joins forces with Sgt. Jim Baxter to search for a serial killer who’s terrorizing Los Angeles. As they track the culprit, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case.”
Directed by John Lee Hancock, this American neo-noir crime thriller boasts a stellar ensemble cast that includes Academy Award winners Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto. Blending intense character study with suspenseful crime-solving, the movie offers a departure from the typical police procedural.
Indeed, “The Little Things” has made a significant impact on viewers, with some experiencing such anxiety that they felt compelled to turn off the film within the first few minutes.
One Twitter user expressed, “Watching ‘the little things’ on Netflix, and the first 2 minutes are so scary I’m not sure I can continue.” Another shared a similar sentiment, stating, “2min 52 sec into Netflix the little things & it’s made me so anxious I’ve had to turn it off.”
Meanwhile, other viewers lauded Denzel Washington’s performance, with one saying, “‘The little things’ on Netflix…….WOW, what a movie. Proper old school, Denzil Washington at his best.” Another fan enthusiastically commented, “Watched the little things on Netflix with my sister, and it was So Good!!!”
Upon its release, “The Little Things” received mixed to positive reviews from critics. While some critiques centered on its conventional approach to the genre, others praised its acting and atmospheric elements. Notably, Jared Leto earned multiple nominations for his role, including one for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
In an interview with Chicago Reel, Denzel Washington reflected on his role in the film and working alongside Rami Malek and Jared Leto, realizing how his place in Hollywood had evolved. He shared, “Watching, there’s a scene we shot with Jared and Rami, and they’re in the interrogation room. And I’m in the observation room. The cameras were all in there the first half of the day or whatever, and I’m just in the observation room, missing the popcorn, just watching these two young guys go at it. Whatever amount of years ago, 30 years ago, I was the young guy with Gene Hackman or whoever. But now I’m the guy watching the young guys. It was fascinating… to watch their joust if you will.”
However, despite receiving praise from some viewers, the film holds a relatively modest 45% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting that it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
For those seeking a chilling thriller that will truly test their nerves, “The Little Things” beckons—if they dare.
