The Drop (2014) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Drop, released in 2014, is a slow-burning crime thriller that leaves a lasting impression due to its atmospheric tension, compelling performances, and intricate storytelling. Directed by Michaël R. Roskam and based on Dennis Lehane’s short story Animal Rescue, this film takes a deep dive into the gritty underworld of Brooklyn’s crime scene, centering around an ordinary bar used as a “drop” for laundering money. With an outstanding cast led by Tom Hardy, James Gandolfini, and Noomi Rapace, The Drop stands out as one of the more nuanced crime dramas of the 2010s. This review explores the film’s plot, character depth, and where to watch The Drop online, especially in America.
Plot Overview: A Dive into Brooklyn’s Underworld
The story of The Drop is set in a working-class neighborhood in Brooklyn, where former criminal Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) works as a quiet, unassuming bartender. He’s employed at Cousin Marv’s Bar, owned by his cousin Marv (James Gandolfini in his final film role), who’s deeply entangled in the city’s underworld. What seems like a mundane life for Bob takes a dark turn when the bar, which is secretly a drop point for illicit money, is robbed. The robbery sets off a chain of events that unravels the complex web of mob dealings, shifting alliances, and deadly stakes.
At the heart of the film is Bob’s personal journey. He adopts a pit bull puppy he finds abandoned in a trash can, forging a bond with both the dog and Nadia (Noomi Rapace), a woman with her own troubled past. However, this seemingly innocent relationship becomes complicated when the puppy’s violent former owner, Eric Deeds (Matthias Schoenaerts), enters the picture, bringing chaos into Bob’s otherwise quiet life.
Tom Hardy’s Quiet, Brooding Performance
Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Bob Saginowski is the linchpin of the film. His understated performance lends Bob a deep sense of vulnerability, but also suggests a hidden, simmering menace beneath his calm exterior. Hardy’s ability to convey so much with so little—using silence, glances, and subtle movements—makes Bob a fascinating character to watch. He’s a man caught between his desire to lead a peaceful life and the violent world that constantly tugs at him.
As the movie progresses, Hardy’s character arc is slowly revealed, leading to a climax that feels both surprising and inevitable. Without giving too much away, Bob’s transformation from a seemingly passive, kind-hearted man into something far more complex is one of the film’s strongest elements. His interactions with other characters, especially Nadia and Marv, are nuanced, and Hardy’s chemistry with the entire cast feels authentic and grounded.
James Gandolfini’s Final Performance
The Drop was James Gandolfini’s final film, and his portrayal of Cousin Marv is a fitting farewell to one of cinema’s great actors. Marv is a man who once had power and respect in the neighborhood but has since fallen from grace, forced to work under the Chechen mob that now controls his bar. Gandolfini brings depth and a sense of tragedy to the role, playing a man who’s bitter about his lost glory and desperate to regain control of his life.
Gandolfini’s Marv is not a conventional villain but rather a man trapped by his past decisions and unable to break free from the criminal world he helped create. His interactions with Bob show a blend of resentment and familial love, and these moments add emotional weight to the film. Gandolfini’s performance is a reminder of his incredible talent for bringing layered, flawed characters to life, making Marv one of the most memorable parts of The Drop.
A Dark, Atmospheric Crime Drama
Director Michaël R. Roskam brings a slow-burn intensity to The Drop, allowing the film’s tension to build gradually as the characters’ secrets and motivations are revealed. The film is less about high-octane action and more about mood, atmosphere, and the slow unraveling of its characters’ lives. Roskam uses the grimy, industrial landscape of Brooklyn to enhance the film’s sense of despair and isolation, creating a world where violence is always lurking just beneath the surface.
The screenplay, written by Dennis Lehane (author of Mystic River and Gone Baby Gone), weaves together themes of loyalty, redemption, and survival. Lehane’s background in crime fiction is evident in the way he crafts morally ambiguous characters who are driven by both desperation and hope. The film’s pacing may feel slow to some viewers, but it’s deliberate, drawing the audience into the lives of the characters and building toward a tense, unforgettable conclusion.
Where to Watch The Drop Online in America
If you’re looking to watch The Drop online in the United States, several streaming and rental services offer the film. Here’s a breakdown of where you can find it:
Streaming Services
- Hulu: The Drop is available on Hulu with a subscription. As one of the most popular streaming platforms, Hulu offers a vast selection of films, and The Drop is part of its extensive library of crime dramas.
- HBO Max: For subscribers of HBO Max, The Drop is also available. HBO Max provides high-quality streaming of the film, making it a great option for those who already have access to the platform.
Rental and Purchase Streaming Services
- Amazon Prime Video: The Drop is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can rent the movie for a limited time or buy it to have permanent access. Both standard definition (SD) and high definition (HD) options are available.
- Apple TV: Another convenient option for renting or purchasing The Drop is Apple TV. The platform allows viewers to stream the film in HD, ensuring a high-quality viewing experience.
- Google Play Movies: Google Play Movies offers The Drop for rent or purchase, making it accessible on a wide range of devices, including smartphones, smart TVs, and desktops.
- YouTube Movies: For a simpler option, The Drop can be rented or bought directly from YouTube Movies. It’s a convenient way to stream the movie if you prefer to use the YouTube platform.
- Vudu: Vudu also provides rental and purchase options for The Drop. Vudu’s service is compatible with a wide array of devices, including smart TVs, Roku, and gaming consoles.
Final Thoughts
The Drop is a deeply atmospheric crime drama that thrives on its subtlety and character-driven storytelling. The film’s slow pace allows the tension to build gradually, culminating in a gripping and intense finale. Tom Hardy’s brooding performance, paired with James Gandolfini’s powerful final role, makes this film a must-watch for fans of gritty crime stories.
If you’re in the mood for a movie that delves into the darker side of human nature while maintaining an air of mystery and suspense, The Drop delivers on all fronts. With its availability on major streaming platforms, accessing this hidden gem has never been easier. Whether you’re a fan of crime dramas or simply appreciate great acting and storytelling, The Drop is a film that should be on your watchlist.
