Some actors act.
Denzel Washington becomes.
The Little Things might’ve flown under the radar for casual viewers, but real film fans know — this was Denzel in full silent sniper mode. No flashy speeches. No explosions. Just tension, quiet intensity, and that look in his eyes like he’s already read your soul.
Playing Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon, Denzel gives one of those performances that creeps up on you. You think he’s being subtle — until you realize he’s been controlling the entire vibe of the film from the first frame.
He doesn’t need to raise his voice. He doesn’t need to chase anyone. He just walks into a room and suddenly, you’re holding your breath.
One viewer summed it up perfectly:
“It’s like watching a volcano sit still. You know it could erupt any second — and that’s what makes it terrifying.”
Pair him with Rami Malek and Jared Leto, and you’ve got a psychological chess match. But let’s be real — Denzel’s still the one moving the pieces.
Even in the film’s slowest moments, he’s doing a thousand things with just a stare, a pause, or the way he tilts his head. That’s not acting. That’s command.
Whether you loved the plot or not, The Little Things reminds everyone of this one undeniable truth:
When Denzel’s on screen, everyone else is just visiting.