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What it's about:
In the aftermath of an unspeakable attack, Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders joins courageous survivors, first responders and investigators in a race against the clock to hunt down the bombers before they strike again. Weaving together the stories of Special Agent Richard Deslauries, Police Commissioner Ed Davis, Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese and nurse Carol Saunders this visceral and unflinching chronicle captures the suspense of one of the most sophisticated manhunts in law enforcement history and celebrates the strength of the people of Boston.
What we thought:
I was standing on my balcony on 15 April 2013 going through Facebook on my phone when the first story popped up on my news feed.
Within minutes my timeline was flooded with news, images and updates on the Boston Marathon bombings that shocked the world.
As a journalist I often get a very close look at these devastating events from within the newsroom, so I was curious and cautious about what Patriots Day would do with this devastating true life event.
With Mark Wahlberg at the helm, the film gives a harrowing look into the nightmare that unfolded near the marathon's finish line in Boylston Street.
The story starts a day before the bombings and shows those who would ultimately be impacted by the explosions. Blissfully unaware of the horror that was soon to unfold; these people go on with their lives and slowly edge closer to the moment that would forever change their existence.
It’s difficult to watch innocent people walk straight into the trap of two men who wanted to cause harm and destruction. When the bombs go off you can’t help but feel the shock and panic from your seat in the cinema.
From that moment on you are gripped by the drama that plays off in front of you. It’s almost impossible to imagine that this isn’t a fictional Hollywood tale but rather a retelling of true events.
The film gives in-depth insight from every perspective; the victims, the heroes, the FBI and even the terrorists. The unique perspective of all the role players really paints a full, be it sad, picture of what happened on that day and the days that followed.
Patriots Day is not a voyeuristic look into the pain and suffering of Boston’s people. Instead it’s a brave and heroic tale of their noble spirit and ability to come together in the darkest of times. It’s a story about how love ultimately triumphs over hate.
In a time when terrorist attacks are prevalent, films like these are important. They show that evil will never win over good because it’s during the darkest of times that the human spirit shines brightest.
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