Movie No. 25 (2015): THE DROP

The Drop (2014)
Director: Michael R. Roskam
Cast: Tom Hardy, Noomi Rapace, James Gandolfini

More than halfway through the film I felt like I was reading a Dennis Lehane book. Then, in the end, paying attention to end credits scrolling up, I was surprised to find that the film was indeed written by Dennis Lehane. And he based from his book I never knew existed.

It seems that this crime drama's main character is the collective relationship of people in that Brooklyn neighborhood, which is the setting of the movie. All other characters are just part of the tapestry of evil intentions, schemes, guilt, and secrets. 

The titular "drop" refers to drop boxes at Brooklyn bars through which dirty money for a local gangster are temporarily held for pick up later. But when a robbery at one bar tended by Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) goes awry, Bod finds himself in an investigation that digs into the neighborhood's ugly past.

What I like most about the film is on how the writing builds up character and tension slowly, making the twist really unexpected and compelling. Tom Hardy, James Gandolfini, and Noomi Rapace constitute a commendable ensemble performance. 

Rating: 3.5/4.0

Date seen: April 2, 2015