The 2016 film Patriots Day is a procedural docudrama that chronicles the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent city-wide manhunt for the perpetrators. The narrative follows the events primarily through the perspective of Boston Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders, a composite character, as he works alongside real-life officials, first responders, and investigators. The film details the terrorist attack, the immediate chaotic aftermath, and the intensive, high-stakes investigation to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The storyline meticulously reconstructs the 102-hour timeline following the explosions. It begins with the bombing itself and depicts the coordinated emergency response. The focus then shifts to the complex investigation led by the FBI, showcasing the critical process of analyzing surveillance footage to identify suspects Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. The narrative escalates by portraying subsequent key events, including the murder of MIT Officer Sean Collier, the carjacking and eventual escape of witness Dun Meng, and the climactic, violent shootout between the brothers and police in the suburban town of Watertown, which led to the lockdown of the greater Boston area.
Ultimately, the film functions as a tribute to the resilience and unity of the Boston community. It emphasizes the theme of collective heroism, highlighting the courage of civilian victims, medical personnel, and law enforcement officers from local, state, and federal agencies. By blending dramatic reenactments with archival news footage and interviews with the actual individuals involved, the film aims to provide an authentic and emotionally resonant account of the tragedy. It serves to memorialize the victims and celebrate the spirit of solidarity encapsulated by the "Boston Strong" movement that emerged in the wake of the attack.
