New crime drama “The Drop” follows the story of Brooklyn bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy), a shy, solemn man who works for his cousin Marv (James Gandolfini, in his last role). The bar, unsurprisingly named Cousin Marv’s, is the “drop bar” through which local gangsters launder money. When a robbery goes horribly wrong, Bob and Marv become involved in an investigation of the criminal underworld.
While the premise sounds familiar, the film is more than just your typical crime thriller. The cinematography is stylish, with its cool, moody color palette and its use of shallow focus. What really stands out, though, is the acting. Noomi Rapace, John Ortiz and Matthias Schoenaerts give wonderful performances as Bob’s friend Nadia, Detective Torres and psychotic creep Eric Deeds, respectively. All of them, however, including the late Gandolfini, take a backseat as Hardy steals the show. With a slightly duck–like gait that is far from Bane’s purposeful stride, Hardy creates a perfectly awkward character. The bartender is a man of few words, but his deadbeat sarcasm is well–received as a release for the tension that builds from the slow–moving plot.
For those who aren’t into the dark, criminal world of “The Drop,” perhaps a puppy is enough incentive to give this movie a go. Bob takes in an injured pit–bull and raises it with Nadia’s help. The “very good lookin’ dog” garners enough sighs of empathy from the audience to make you feel warm and fuzzy for the rest of your night.
The character–driven plot of “The Drop” makes it successful. Each person’s story slowly unfolds, clue by clue, explaining their actions and adding depth to the already top–notch delivery from the actors.
