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"THE LITTLE THINGS"
(2020) (Denzel Washington, Rami Malek) (R)


At-A-Glace Content Summary

Alcohol/Drugs Mild
Blood/Gross Stuff Extreme
Disrespectful/Bad Attitude Extreme
Frightening/Tense Scenes Heavy
Gun/Weapons Heavy
Imitative Behavior Heavy
Jump Scenes Moderate
Music (Scary/Tense) Heavy
Music (Inappropriate) None
Profanity Heavy
Sex/Nudity Extreme
Smoking Mild
Tense Family Scenes Mild
Topics to Talk About Heavy
Violence Heavy


QUICK TAKE:
Dramatic Thriller: A formerly disgraced detective returns to Los Angeles and teams up with his replacement to try to find a serial killer who's preying on young women.
PLOT:

Years ago, Joe "Deke" Deacon (DENZEL WASHINGTON) was a star detective with the LAPD, working with partner Sal Rizoli (CHRIS BAUER). But his efforts to find and stop a serial killer eventually became an obsession resulting in his suspension, a divorce from his wife, and a heart attack. He now works for the sheriff's department in Bakersfield but travels to Los Angeles upon orders from his boss regarding an unrelated case. There, he sees his old friends including Sal and medical examiner Flo Dunigan (MICHAEL HYATT) as well as young star detective Jim Baxter (RAMI MALEK) who essentially took his place.

Jim initially humors Deke as the former but now fallen prodigy. But he allows him to tag along to a crime scene -- the latest featuring a young woman who's been slain in a ritualistic fashion, indicating the work of a serial killer -- when he realizes they're cut from the same cloth and Deke might be able to help.

The former detective's focus on the little things that others might ignore or not even see eventually leads them to believe that appliance repairman Albert Sparma (JARED LETO) might be their prime suspect. But he's a wily sort who's knowledgeable about police procedures and seems to enjoy playing the detectives who must figure out if he's the actual killer or just a twisted man who enjoys toying with them.

WILL KIDS WANT TO SEE IT?
Older teens who are fans of anyone in the cast or detective-based dramatic thrillers might have some interest.
WHY THE MPAA RATED IT: R
For violent/disturbing images, language, and full nudity.


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