Denzel Washington and Rami Malek hunt for a serial killer in the trailer for The Little Things

A trailer has been released for the upcoming crime thriller The Little Things, which stars Denzel Washington and Rami Malek.

The clip begins with footage from a violent crime scene, and Deputy Sheriff Joe Deacon, played by Washington, can be heard speaking about the aftermath of a crime. Then it is revealed that he is talking to the corpse of a victim.

Sergeant Jim Baxter, portrayed by Malek, then comments on the changes that have occurred in Los Angeles since Deacon moved out to Kern County.

On the case: Denzel Washington is set to star alongside Rami Malek in the upcoming crime thriller The Little Things

Solid director: The film is helmed by John Lee Hancock, who previously worked on projects including The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks

Solid director: The film is helmed by John Lee Hancock, who previously worked on projects including The Blind Side and Saving Mr. Banks

It is revealed that a serial killer, who is specifically targeting women, is on the loose in the city and that the police department has begun a search for the criminal.

After Malek’s character holds a press conference regarding the manhunt, Washington speaks to him about the probable characteristics of their target, which included possessing a car with high mileage.

When the latter goes to investigate a potential suspect’s vehicle, a disheveled Jared Leto, portraying Albert Sparma, appears and asks why his car is being viewed.

After answering a question about not receiving a promotion after his years of service, the Deputy Sheriff has breakfast with a friend played by Michael Hyatt, who comments: ‘When I look in your eyes, what I see, it ain’t good.’ 

Keeping an eye out: The film centers around a manhunt for a serial killer who preys on women

Keeping an eye out: The film centers around a manhunt for a serial killer who preys on women

The prime suspect: Jared Leto is set to portray Albert Sparma, who is thought to be the perpetrator of the crimes

The prime suspect: Jared Leto is set to portray Albert Sparma, who is thought to be the perpetrator of the crimes

Double duty: In addition to directing the film, Hancock wrote the screenplay for the upcoming project

Double duty: In addition to directing the film, Hancock wrote the screenplay for the upcoming project

When Leto is brought in for questioning, a captain portrayed by Terry Kinney remarks that he was not anywhere near where a crime took place, to which Washington reacts with frustration and has to be held back from attacking the suspected killer. 

The sheriff and potential perpetrator later meet on a motorway, where the latter taunts Washington with a question that he was previously asked regarding his car: ‘How’s the trunk space?’

Malek explains his motivations for embarking on the manhunt, as he wants justice for the murder victims; Washington retorts that he is joining the investigation solely for himself.

The two are then seen in the desert, where a number of holes, presumably to find bodies, have been dug, and it is stated by the latter that, ‘It’s the little things…It’s the little things that rip you apart.’  

Solid cast: The Little Things also stars Michael Hyatt, Natalie Morales, and Sofia Vassilieva in supporting roles

Solid cast: The Little Things also stars Michael Hyatt, Natalie Morales, and Sofia Vassilieva in supporting roles 

Wide release: The feature is set to have a simultaneous debut in both theaters and on the HBO Max streaming service

Wide release: The feature is set to have a simultaneous debut in both theaters and on the HBO Max streaming service

The trailer ends with a downtrodden Washington sitting in a room full of trash bags, his face gazing downwards. 

The Little Things is helmed by director John Lee Hancock, who previously worked on sports drama The Blind Side and The Founder; he also wrote the script for the film.

Development on the project was first announced in early 2019, and principal photography began later that year, wrapping up in December.

A theatrical debut for the film is planned for January 29, 2021, when it will also be released through the HBO Max streaming service. 

Coming soon: The Little Things is set to be released on January 29, 2021

Coming soon: The Little Things is set to be released on January 29, 2021