The Little Things
RATING
Introduction
The last review to close the weekend. And I have just finished watching The Little Things on Amazon Prime. It falls under the serial killer genre which is really my favourite and a staple for films. If done right then it can really give you a rush. So then is it worth your time, lets find out.
Story & Screenplay
The Little Things is the story of a serial killer on the loose. And thus begins an investigation featuring a detective and a deputy sheriff. Will they get to the bottom of it? The story is a slow burn and if you are expecting a fast paced thriller then this serial killer film is not for you. But if you enjoy cerebral thrillers that are a slow poison then you will enjoy this film. The screenplay is exactly that. It begins with tertific opening sequence featuring a victim. From there on, things considerably slow down. The drama is character driven as it is conversational. It is here that many might find the drama drab as it is less of a thriller and more of a drama which is slow. There is a lot of buildup here up until the halfway mark where there enters a suspect. From there on the drama speeds up a bit and there is a lot more urgency. This momentum continues right until the end which is what I can say as a brave decision to end it that way. It is an end that could invite drawing room conversations. In its entirety you get a feeling of the film unfolding similar to the David Fincher Film Zodiac. But however, this film stands its own and the screenplay is extremely watchable.
Dialogues, Music & Direction
The dialogues are conversational and decently well penned. The BGM is impressive and adds a layer of intrigue to the drama. Director John Lee Hancock has done a pretty decent job with the direction. He has made brave choices in opting for a cerebral screenplay as opposed to a fast paced thriller and an ending that is debatable to say the least.
Performances
The performances are pretty good. Jared Leto as Sparma is simply outstanding, probably the best performer on show. It is with his entry that things speed up with a lot more urgency. Rami Malek as Jim Baxter is subtle and wonderfully restrained. Denzel Washington as Joe Deacon is really a veteran of so many such roles. He is brilliant and holds the film together bringing all his experience into play.
Conclusion
The Little Things is a slow burner which is highly cerebral. Do avoid it if you are expecting a fast paced thriller, else do give it a shot. It may not be as good as Zodiac but it is pretty good nevertheless. Available on Amazon Prime.