This Denzel Washington Serial Killer Thriller on Netflix Is a Must-See—Despite This One Big Flaw

* Warning: Spoilers Ahead *

After watching Denzel Washington 's The Little Things (2021), I initially didn't know what to think. As the credits rolled, I pondered the final plot twist and replayed a few scenes in my mind, feeling unsure of the film's message. Did I miss something? Was I overthinking it? Or did this film actually intend to leave viewers feeling utterly confused about what it's trying to communicate?

In case you've yet to see John Lee Hancock's slow-burn crime thriller, The Little Things —which boasts a trio of Oscar-winning actors—follows Joe "Deke" Deacon (Washington), an experienced former detective and deputy sheriff who teams up with LASD detective Jimmy Baxter ( Rami Malek ) to investigate a series of serial murders. All signs point them to a suspect named Albert Sparma ( Jared Leto ), but due to the lack of evidence, Deke and Jimmy become obsessed with tracking him down.

Perhaps you can already tell from the plot, but The Little Things is like a cross between Se7en and Insomnia . It's a contemplative, character-driven thriller that features a seasoned detective and an entitled newbie, except the pace is much slower and there are several references to the movie's title. Per usual, Washington is a clear standout, thanks to his compelling and nuanced portrayal of Deke. As for Leto, his mastery of dialogue is on full display as he embraces his creepy character. However, I've got a small bone to pick with The Little Things , and it's got everything to do with that ambiguous ending .

Now, when it comes to mind-blowing plot twists (think Inception or Memento ), I'm typically staring at the screen with my mouth agape, heart racing and mind filled with the wildest "what if" scenarios. I'll often think about it for days on end, or even rewatch the film, trying to piece together little clues I might've missed. But guys, this was not the case for The Little Things . In the final moments, I watched with bated breath and ended up genuinely confused and missing a certain shock value.

In a nutshell, we see history repeat itself. When Jimmy accidentally kills Sparma in the desert, it's revealed that Deke also inadvertently killed someone involved in a past case, leading to his downward spiral. It appears Jimmy is about to embark on a similar path and carry that guilt, not knowing if Sparma was the killer. But then, Deke sends him the victim's red barrette, suggesting that Sparma was guilty all along. Again, in a final twist, it's revealed that Deke never found evidence. He just purchased a hair accessory that looked exactly like the victim's and sent it.

Warner Bros. Pictures

Just to give you an idea of what went through my mind as I watched this unfold: "Ohhh, so it was Sparma! I wonder where Deke found the barrette... I wonder where he hid the body. But how could someone who falsely confessed to a murder be the culprit? Perhaps he didn't act alone ...Oh, wait...what? So this was just a gesture to ease Jimmy's conscience? ...That's it?"

Now, in retrospect, I understand that the film mainly explores themes of trauma and guilt while zeroing in on the two detectives. It's interesting to see the parallels in their determination to crack the case, as well as how they respond to similar traumatic events. I also love how the partnership evolved into a father-son kind of dynamic. But a small part of me wanted something more. I fully expected to see another twist that would likely call Deke's character and true motives into question. Or at least, an unexpected hint that both detectives may have overlooked, which suggests that the killer was right under their noses the entire time.

Warner Bros. Pictures

While speaking with Entertainment Weekly about the ending, Hancock revealed that he wanted to avoid making it formulaic. He explained, “I just tried to build in as many things pointing to [Sparma's] guilt as points to his innocence. I think there is an equal number of each in the script. I can make an argument either way. I mean, he does say, ‘I’ve got to work tomorrow, come on let’s go,’ which is a hint that nothing's going to happen out there. If he was taking him out there to go and find a body, then he certainly wouldn't be going to work the next day. Or is he lying?”

I applaud Hancock for intentionally keeping the killer's identity (and Sparma's potential involvement) a mystery. And though I wouldn't call this Washington's best, his solid performance alone makes it well worth the watch.

I'm an Entertainment Writer and This Is Hands Down the Most Underrated Denzel Washington Movie of All Time