Review of The Drop (2014) by Tristan M — 15 Jul 2015

THE DROP is a film that I was aware of last year, but that I was still unable to see in theaters. And, to be honest, this isn't the type of film that stays in theaters for very long anyway. It's a slow-building, adult drama that focuses on character and story rather than inundating you with a lot of action and special effects, i.

E., it's the perfect example of an indie movie. I don't really want to get into very much of the plot, because to do so would take away from the experience of seeing it for yourself. Basically, Bob (Tom Hardy) is a bartender at Cousin Marv's Bar, and Marv is played by James Gandolfini in one of, if not, his last screen performances.

The bar serves as what's called a "drop bar" (hence, the title) where mafia and mob types temporarily stash their dirty money. One night they're held up at gunpoint and the people who own the bar keep pressuring them to find out who did it and get their money back.

Also, Bob finds a beaten up pit-bull and starts taking care of him. That's the setup. What follows isn't really profound, nor does it look at the deeper meaning of anything. It's just a good story about a quiet man who stands up for the weak.

Noomi Rapace was also in the cast, and is the only other actor I was familiar with, but everyone turned in a great performance. From a technical standpoint, like the story, everything was rather restrained, letting the drama unfold naturally and never forcing any feeling or perspective on the viewer.

The score also helped a great deal, keeping the story flowing and assisting in building tension when necessary. If there's anything to say to the film's detriment, it's that it's almost TOO calm and composed.

But still, it was such a great story that I didn't mind much. People with short attention spans will probably find this a bit slow and boring, but the patient will be rewarded. I suppose the closest comparison would be with KILLING THEM SOFTLY, in the way it favors drama over thrills, and the sparing but judicious use of violence.

If you're looking for a crime drama that has good characters and story, and heart, THE DROP wouldn't be a bad choice.