'The Drop' may well be known as the late James Gandolfini's last film, but that's not all it should be known for. It also features Tom Hardy cuddling with puppies. Okay, okay, it's actually an effective and intense crime drama, which features yet another impressive performance from Hardy, as well as a gentle reminder of just how good Gandolfini really was (answer: so good). 'The Drop' just premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (where it opened to strong reviews) and today we have an exclusive look at a bunch of new pics from the film.

Based on author Dennis Lehane's short story "Animal Rescue," the film goes something like this:

'The Drop' follows lonely bartender Bob Saginowski (Tom Hardy) through a covert scheme of funneling cash to local gangsters - "money drops" in the underworld of Brooklyn bars. Under the heavy hand of his employer and cousin Marv (James Gandolfini), Bob finds himself at the center of a robbery gone awry and entwined in an investigation that digs deep into the neighborhood's past.

'The Drop' comes with an impressive pedigree. Lehane is the author behind both 'Mystic River' and 'Gone Baby Gone' and the film is directed by Michaël R. Roskam, whose previous film 'Bullhead' was nominated for an Oscar. Plus, the aforementioned performances from Hardy and Gandolfini, both at the top of their game. Were that not enough, you get Noomi Rapace ('Prometheus') and a really adorable pitbull puppy.

Seriously, have we mentioned the part about Tom Hardy and the puppy?

Tom Hardy Puppy
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Amiright? Below, you can check out 7 new exclusive photos from 'The Drop' including Hardy, Gandolfini and, yes, more puppy cuddling.

'The Drop' opens in theaters on September 12.

The Drop Tom Hardy TIFF 2014
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The Drop Tom Hardy Noomi Rapace TIFF 2014
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The Drop Noomi Rapace TIFF 2014
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The Drop Tom Hardy TIFF 2014
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The Drop Tom Hardy TIFF 2014
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The Drop Noomi Rapace TIFF 2014
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