Denzel Washington’s film, The Little Things, initially released in January 2021, has made a surprising resurgence on Netflix, becoming a global streaming sensation. Set against the backdrop of early 1990s Los Angeles, the crime thriller follows Washington as a detective grappling with a string of murders, alongside his partner played by Rami Malek. The film features Jared Leto as a suspect, creating a dynamic that draws viewers into the unsettling world of its narrative.
Four years after its release, The Little Things currently ranks seventh on Netflix’s worldwide Top 10 movies list, as of November 20. It shares the spotlight with titles such as Champagne Problems and Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, while outperforming films like Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga and KPop Demon Hunters. The film also achieved notable success on Netflix’s Global Top 10 for the week of November 10–16, amassing 5.3 million views and totaling 11.4 million hours watched. Notably, it has made the Top 10 list in 21 countries, predominantly in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Despite its mixed critical reception upon release, The Little Things has proven to resonate with audiences on streaming platforms. Critics highlighted the film’s strong cast and classic crime thriller aesthetic, but some pointed out its unremarkable plot and disappointing ending. Its 45% score on Rotten Tomatoes reflects critics’ ambivalence, juxtaposed against a 67% audience score that suggests a more favorable viewer reception.
Box office performance was lackluster, with the film earning just $30.8 million against a $30 million budget, largely due to its dual release in theaters and on HBO Max during the COVID-19 pandemic. The film’s launch coincided with heightened societal tensions surrounding police actions, notably in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. As the protagonists navigate moral ambiguities, some viewers found the themes particularly relevant, even as they critiqued the film for failing to innovate within the serial killer thriller genre.
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In recent weeks, The Little Things has seen a resurgence, previously ranking high on Netflix’s Global Top 10 in early April 2024, indicating its continued appeal. The film’s nuanced portrayal of the emotional toll on law enforcement, alongside stellar performances from Washington, Malek, and Leto, likely contribute to its ongoing popularity on streaming.
Currently, The Little Things is available for streaming on Netflix in the United States, allowing new audiences to explore its dark narrative and complex character dynamics. As it continues to gain traction, it serves as a reminder of the shifting landscape of film consumption and the sometimes unpredictable ways that movies find their audiences post-release.
