The Little Things (2025) is a gripping psychological crime thriller that delves into the dark, intricate world of detective work and the personal demons that often accompany it. Directed by John Lee Hancock, this film is a loose sequel to the 2021 The Little Things, reimagining its tense narrative in a fresh and riveting way, while maintaining the core themes of morality, obsession, and justice. With a stellar cast and a haunting storyline, The Little Things takes the genre into new territory with deeper emotional stakes.

Set in a sprawling city filled with crime, The Little Things follows former detective Deke Deacon (played by Denzel Washington), who is now working as a small-town sheriff. Haunted by the mistakes of his past, Deke is pulled back into the world of violent crime when a series of mysterious murders eerily reminiscent of an old case resurface. Deke is reluctantly reunited with his former partner, now seasoned detective Jim Baxter (played by Michael B. Jordan), who is investigating the case with a new, youthful sense of urgency.

As the investigation unfolds, Deke and Jim are drawn deeper into the complex puzzle, but they soon find themselves facing an insidious criminal mastermind (played by a new, charismatic actor) who seems to be manipulating the detectives, playing them against each other. The tension rises as Deke’s obsession with solving the case begins to blur the lines of right and wrong, and Jim must grapple with his own moral compass.

The heart of the film lies in the psychological battles between the characters, particularly as Deke’s past decisions begin to resurface, testing the relationships and loyalties between him and Jim. The detectives soon realize that the “little things” they overlooked in their past investigations may be the key to solving the present case—but at a potentially devastating cost.

Character Development:

Denzel Washington’s return as Deke Deacon is a standout performance, exploring the emotional and psychological toll of a man trying to escape his past while being dragged back into a world of darkness. Deke’s inner conflict and the weight of his former life as a detective make him a fascinating character, and Washington masterfully conveys the layers of guilt, regret, and determination that fuel Deke’s quest for redemption.

Michael B. Jordan plays Jim Baxter, a man full of ambition and idealism, but who quickly learns that the line between right and wrong is far more complicated than he ever imagined. Baxter’s evolution as a detective—and his growing disillusionment with the system—forms the emotional core of the film, creating a compelling dynamic with Deke. Their partnership, both strained and deeply connected, adds a powerful layer of complexity to the investigation.

The villainous character, played by a notable new actor, brings a chilling sense of manipulation and control, creating a palpable sense of dread and tension. The performance is menacing yet subtle, allowing the audience to feel the weight of the crimes without ever fully understanding the true depth of the villain’s mind games until the shocking finale.