Big screen drama The Drop explores the criminal practice of using local New York City bars as money-laundering locations. The film centers on Bob Saginowski (played by Tom Hardy), a lonely ex-con bartender in Brooklyn who rescues a battered pit bull puppy from certain death, while making the acquaintance of a secretive and mysterious woman named Nadia. Saginowski finds himself caught up in a botched robbery, and in turn, becomes part of an investigation that delves into his neighbor’s treacherous past.

The movie features the late James Gandolfini as a shady bartender. Swedish actress Noomi Rapace, recently seen in Prometheus, plays the role of Nadia. The cast also includes Matthias Schoenaerts (Rust and Bone), John Ortiz (Fast & Furious 6), Ann Dowd (Side Effects) and James Frecheville (Animal Kingdom).

The film was directed by Michael R. Roskam, known for 2011’s Bullhead. In an interview with USA Today, the director reflected on what might have been, as he discussed the passing of Gandolfini, saying: “A new Gandolfini was emerging. Unfortunately, we are not going to be able to see more of it. But I am happy that we had this beautiful glimpse.”

The screenplay was written by novelist and filmmaker Dennis Lehane from his own short story. Besides writing novels that have served as the basis for movie adaptations like Shutter Island, Lehane has also written for TV, most notably several episodes of The Wire.

The Drop hits theaters nationwide on Sept. 12.