On April 28, 2025, ZDF will present the free-TV premiere of the gripping US thriller "The Little Things," featuring an impressive lineup of Oscar winners: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto. Directed and written by John Lee Hancock, known for his work on "The Blind Side," this film tells a harrowing story of obsession and moral ambiguity as two detectives delve into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles to catch a serial killer.
The film, which aired previously on ProSieben at the end of 2024, will be broadcast at 10:15 PM as part of ZDF's "Montagskino" series. Unlike its earlier release, viewers can now enjoy the movie without commercial interruptions, although it will not be available for streaming on the network. Audiences are encouraged to tune in live or record it for later viewing.
Set in October 1990, "The Little Things" follows Detective Jim Baxter, portrayed by Rami Malek, who is tasked with solving a series of brutal murders targeting young women in Los Angeles. In a twist of fate, he receives unexpected and unofficial assistance from Joe "Deke" Deacon, played by Denzel Washington. Deke, a former LAPD officer now working in the rural outskirts, carries a heavy burden of secrets from his past.
As the investigation unfolds, the two detectives focus their attention on Albert Sparma, a suspicious electrician brought to life by Jared Leto. Despite lacking concrete evidence, Joe and Jim become increasingly fixated on Sparma, leading them to cross legal boundaries in their quest for justice. The tension escalates when Sparma, aware of their obsession, begins to toy with the detectives, culminating in a chilling encounter in the desert where he lures Jim under the pretense of revealing the location of a buried body.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, "The Little Things" was released in 2021 simultaneously in theaters and on streaming platforms in both the USA and Germany. The film's release strategy reflected the industry's adaptation to changing viewing habits during the pandemic, allowing audiences to engage with new content safely.
Despite receiving mixed reviews upon its theatrical release, the film has been praised for its stellar cast, particularly Jared Leto's portrayal of Sparma, which earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at both the Golden Globe Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2021. Critics noted that while the film's pacing and narrative structure had their shortcomings, the performances of Washington, Malek, and Leto were undeniably compelling.
In addition to its strong central performances, "The Little Things" explores themes of obsession, morality, and the psychological toll of pursuing justice. Deke's character grapples with his own demons, and his unorthodox methods raise questions about the ethical implications of law enforcement practices.
As viewers prepare for the film's broadcast, excitement is building around its unique blend of suspense and character study. The interplay between the three Oscar-winning actors adds depth and gravitas to the narrative, making it a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.
In a promotional twist, hitchecker.de is hosting a giveaway for two DVD copies of "The Little Things." To enter, participants must fill out a form on the website, using the contest code #GS-littlethings. The deadline for entries is June 21, 2025, providing fans with a chance to own a piece of cinematic history.
As the premiere date approaches, anticipation continues to grow for this gripping tale of crime and consequence. With its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes, "The Little Things" promises to engage viewers and spark discussions long after the credits roll.
