The Drop

The Drop

Year: 2014

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Michael R. Roskam

Budget: $13M

DramaCrime

In Brooklyn’s criminal underworld, bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) finds his life upended when a robbery goes wrong. He becomes entangled in a dangerous investigation involving stolen money and the loyalties of those around him. As Bob struggles to navigate the complexities of the situation, he confronts a web of deceit and must confront the harsh realities of survival in a world where friendships and family are tested.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Drop yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Drop (2014)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Drop (2014). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Although the specific time period is not explicitly mentioned, the setting implies a contemporary backdrop where issues such as organized crime and suburban struggles are prevalent. The social dynamics presented in the film reflect modern-day challenges, including the impact of past trauma and the quest for redemption.

Location

Brooklyn, Cousin Marv's, drop bar

The movie predominantly takes place in Brooklyn, a vibrant borough known for its diverse culture and bustling neighborhoods. Cousin Marv's is a local bar that serves as a central location where much of the story unfolds, highlighting the camaraderie and tensions among its patrons. The drop bar, operated by the Chechen mafia, represents a shadowy world of organized crime where illicit money is collected and dispersed.

🏙️ City 🍻 Bar 🐾 Animal

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Main Characters – The Drop (2014)

Meet the key characters of The Drop (2014), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy)

Bob is a seemingly quiet bartender grappling with his past while trying to navigate the complexities of his environment. His character displays a sense of empathy, particularly in his interactions with Rocco and Nadia, showcasing his potential for growth and change despite his ties to a criminal underworld.

🍻 Bartender 🐾 Protector 🤐 Reserved

Cousin Marv (James Gandolfini)

Cousin Marv is a complex character consumed by bitterness and frustration due to his fading dominance in the local bar scene. His past glory weighs on him, and his volatile nature skews his judgment, leading to increasingly reckless decisions. Marv's demeanor reflects the desperation of someone facing the downfall of their reputation and power.

🍸 Bar Owner 😡 Bitter 🚨 Reckless

Nadia (Noomi Rapace)

Nadia is a strong yet vulnerable woman with a troubled past, searching for connection and redemption herself. Her caring nature shines through in her efforts to help Rocco, indicating a capacity for compassion. As she navigates her relationship with Bob, her character embodies resilience and the possibility of recovery.

🐕 Dog Lover 💪 Resilient ❤️ Companionship

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Major Themes – The Drop (2014)

Explore the central themes of The Drop (2014), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Redemption

The theme of redemption plays a crucial role in Bob's journey as he seeks to care for Rocco the dog and reconnects with Nadia. Throughout the film, Bob grapples with his past and the choices he must make to transform his life for the better. The struggle for a second chance resonates deeply as he navigates the complexities of loyalty and morality.

⚖️ Crime

The undercurrent of crime in 'The Drop' is emphasized through the presence of the Chechen mafia and the drop bar's purpose. Organized crime affects not only the characters' lives directly but also their moral dilemmas and the choices they face. The narrative explores the consequences of crime and the intertwined fates of those involved.

🐶 Companionship

Bob's relationship with Rocco serves as a poignant symbol of companionship in the film. Their bond highlights the importance of loyalty and care amidst chaos and uncertainty. The presence of the injured pit bull reflects the need for connection and the possibility of healing through relationships.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:03

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Claustrophobic Underworld Survival Stories Like The Drop

Ordinary people trapped in a criminal underworld, fighting just to survive.If you liked the tense atmosphere of The Drop, explore more movies about individuals trapped in a criminal underworld. These films share a grim, claustrophobic mood, high-stakes survival themes, and a steady, deliberate pacing that builds suspense in a dangerous world.

claustrophobicsuspensefulgrimatmosphericanxioustensemelancholic

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically follows a reluctant or low-key protagonist who becomes entangled in a dangerous criminal situation beyond their control. The plot revolves around their attempts to navigate escalating threats, often involving investigations, hidden money, or betrayals, with the central conflict being a test of their wits and morality against an oppressive system.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread are grouped by their shared oppressive atmosphere, high-stakes survival themes, and the experience of watching a character navigate a world they never chose. They deliver a consistent feeling of tension, moral ambiguity, and the psychological weight of life under constant threat.

Movies with Quiet Protagonists Like Bob in The Drop

Stoic, restrained characters who conceal a complex and potentially dangerous past.For viewers who appreciated Tom Hardy's restrained performance in The Drop, this collection features movies with similar quiet, stoic protagonists. These characters often have a hidden past or unexpected resilience that emerges under pressure, driving stories with heavy emotional weight and a bittersweet tone.

resignedsuspensefulmelancholicpsychologicalatmosphericintrospective

Narrative Summary

The story is a slow-burn character study where the true nature of the protagonist is the central mystery. External events, often a crime or crisis, apply pressure that forces the character's hidden layers to surface. The journey involves a revelation of their past, their moral code, and their ultimate capacity for action, leading to a conclusion that redefines who they are.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by a specific character archetype: the quiet, observant individual whose internal complexity drives the narrative. The shared experience is the suspense of unraveling the protagonist's true self, which creates a unique blend of character-driven drama and underlying tension.

Unlock the Full Story of The Drop

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Drop in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Drop is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Drop Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Drop, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Drop Summary

The Drop Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Drop with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Drop Timeline

The Drop Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Drop that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Drop Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Drop

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Drop: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Drop

Similar Movies to The Drop

Discover movies like The Drop that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.