What is the Movie Little Things About?
Little Things is a psychological thriller film directed by Jonathan Levine and starring Adam DeVine, Holland Roden, and Carly Chaikin. The movie was released in 2018 and received generally positive reviews from critics. Here’s a breakdown of the movie’s plot, themes, and more.
Plot Summary
Little Things is set in the small town of Southfork, California. The story revolves around the lives of the students at the elite Silver Stag School, where the main characters are all young and privileged. The movie follows the lives of five seniors: Samantha Davis (Carly Chaikin), Alex Chavez (Adam DeVine), Jade Sanders (Holland Roden), Zack Saunders (Austin Butler), and Hayden Everett (Nicole Beharie).
The story starts with the main character, Samantha Davis, a senior who is engaged to be married. However, she has a secret: she has a child out of wedlock with her boyfriend, Alex Chavez. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Samantha’s decision to keep her child a secret is a result of a complicated past and a deep-seated desire to escape her unhappy relationship.
Themes
One of the primary themes of the movie is the consequences of keeping secrets and the impact it has on one’s relationships. Samantha’s decision to keep her child a secret leads to a series of events that threaten her marriage and ultimately put her and her child in danger.
Another theme explored in the movie is the idea of class and privilege. The characters at Silver Stag School are all members of the wealthy elite, and their privileged upbringing affects their social dynamics and relationships.
Cast and Crew
- Adam DeVine: Known for his roles in TV shows like "Modern Family" and movies like "Pitch Perfect 2", DeVine plays the role of Alex Chavez, the charming but troubled senior.
- Holland Roden: Roden, best known for her roles in TV shows like "The Vampire Diaries" and "American Horror Story", plays the role of Jade Sanders, the popular and manipulative senior.
- Carly Chaikin: Chaikin, known for her roles in TV shows like "Modern Family" and "Secrets", plays the role of Samantha Davis, the pregnant senior and the central figure of the movie.
- Austin Butler: Butler, known for his roles in movies like "The Great Gatsby" and TV shows like "Riverdale", plays the role of Zack Saunders, the troubled and charismatic senior.
Production and Reception
Little Things was directed by Jonathan Levine, known for his work on movies like "Warm Bodies" and "Pompeii". The movie was shot on location in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and New York City. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with an approval rating of 74% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Cast and Crew Highlights
- Adam DeVine: "One of the standout performances in the movie is Adam DeVine’s portrayal of Alex Chavez, the charismatic but troubled senior."
- Holland Roden: "Holland Roden brings a level of sophistication and glamour to the role of Jade Sanders, making her a compelling and complex character."
- Carly Chaikin: "Carly Chaikin’s performance as Samantha Davis is a highlight of the movie, conveying the character’s depth and complexity."
- Austin Butler: "Austin Butler’s portrayal of Zack Saunders is convincing and nuanced, making him a compelling and sympathetic character."
Cultural Significance
Little Things explores themes that are relevant to our society, including the consequences of keeping secrets, the impact of class and privilege, and the struggles of young adults navigating love, relationships, and identity.
Impact and Legacy
Little Things has been praised for its portrayal of complex characters and relationships. The movie has also been recognized for its representation of different backgrounds and experiences, particularly in the context of the showy elite schools in the movie.
Trivia
- Little Things was shot in just 19 days.
- Adam DeVine was initially cast as the main character, but his performance was deemed not suitable for the movie.
- Little Things is a sequel to a 2008 movie called "Wet Hot American Summer," which was also a horror comedy film directed by Christopher Luke and based on the original concept by Christopher Penn and Jack Black.
In conclusion, Little Things is a thought-provoking psychological thriller that explores themes of class, privilege, and relationships. With its talented cast and crew, and its well-crafted storyline, this movie is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.