Warning: Spoilers for Drop.
Overview of Drop and Its Musical Elements
In the gripping cinematic narrative of Drop, directed by Christopher Landon, the original score composed by Bear McCreary plays a pivotal role. Premiering at SXSW 2025, this film centers on Violet, a widowed mother portrayed by Meghann Fahy, who bravely ventures back into the dating scene. The plot thickens dramatically when Violet receives sinister messages threatening the lives of her son Toby (Jacob Robinson) and sister Jen (Violett Beane), demanding her compliance with a series of chilling instructions. The film successfully maintains a riveting tension from its opening moments through to its conclusion.
The positive reception of Drop speaks volumes about its quality. As expected from a Blumhouse production, Landon expertly weaves terrifying suspense with his signature dark humor. This intricate balancing act is enhanced by the strategic interplay between McCreary’s haunting score and a selection of carefully curated licensed tracks, allowing for a nuanced emotional response to each scene.
Soundtrack Highlight: Songs and Their Contexts
The Impact of 7 Licensed Songs in Drop
| Song | Artist |
| “Day from Night” | Ages and Ages |
| “Hardly News” | Declan Welsh and The Decadent West |
| “Moon River” | Riyandi Kusuma |
| “Smile” | Studio Musicians |
| “Baby Shark” | Sparks & Shadows |
| “Shots” | Jeffery Self |
| “Healing” | FLETCHER |
Context of Each Song in Drop
“Day from Night” by Ages and Ages: The film opens with a harrowing flashback featuring Violet and her late husband Blake (Michael Shea). However, the mood lightens as Violet prepares for her date, during which “Day from Night” plays softly in the background, indicating its role as diegetic music that she actively engages with.
“Hardly News” by Declan Welsh and the Decadent West: This track accompanies Violet’s emotional goodbye to Toby and Jen right before she departs for her date, providing a fitting backdrop to her heightened feelings of anxiety.
“Moon River” by Riyandi Kusuma: During Violet’s date, the in-house pianist plays “Moon River,” maintaining the lighthearted atmosphere. However, as the narrative tension rises due to the blackmailer’s threats, the piano fades, allowing McCreary’s score to take over.
“Smile” by Studio Musicians: This classic piece, performed humorously in the background during Violet and Henry’s date, serves as a moment of relief amidst the escalating chaos.
“Baby Shark” by Sparks & Shadows: A surprising moment arises when the sleazy pianist takes Violet’s sarcastic suggestion and plays “Baby Shark,” resulting in both levity and an important plot development as Violet uses this opportunity to signal for help regarding her son’s predicament.
“Shots” by Jeffery Self: Although not directly played, the song’s presence is felt during a tense scene when Matt, the waiter, attempts to disrupt the escalating tension by awkwardly singing “Shots” to alleviate the moment between Violet and Henry.
“Healing” by FLETCHER: The film concludes on a note of hope with this track played during the credits, providing a contrast to the intense narrative, suggesting healing and resilience in the aftermath.
Where to Access the Drop Soundtrack
Availability of Bear McCreary’s Score
Currently, there are no plans to release a comprehensive soundtrack album encompassing the licensed tracks featured in Drop. While the brief rendition of “Shots” is unlikely to be formally recorded, fans are left without streaming options for the restaurant’s interpretations of songs like “Baby Shark.” However, popular songs like “Day from Night,” “Hardly News,” and “Healing” can be found on major streaming platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music.
Fortunately, enthusiasts of Bear McCreary’s work will be pleased to know that his original score for Drop is available for full streaming on YouTube. The soundtrack is also scheduled for digital release for purchase on Amazon on April 11, 2025, coinciding with the film’s theatrical rollout. Additionally, McCreary’s score can be streamed on Spotify.