We've seen a plethora of films based on true stories that involve disastrous and catastrophic situations killing and maiming many--the list is endless: "The World Trade Center", "United 93", "Deepwater Horizon", "The Impossible" to mention a handful, so it was inevitable to see a film involving a mass bombing through the eyes of its survivors appropriately titled "Patriots Day".
In the immediate aftermath of the April 16, 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, a police officer, Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg) aids in the pursuit of the terrorists, these being two brothers, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarmaev (Themo Melikidze and Alex Wolff) respectively, responsible. Under the direction of BPD Commissioner Ed Davis (John Goodman) and an FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers (Kevin Bacon), the sprawling manhunt for the bombers extends into the Boston suburb of Watertown before they strike again. It is the powerful story of a community's courage in the face of terror.
Others to round out the cast are Michelle Monaghan as Carol Saunders, wife of Tommy, J.K. Simmons as Sgt. Jeffrey Pugliese, Michael Beach as Gov. Deval Patrick, Christopher O'Shea as Patrick Downes, Rachel Brosnahan as Jessica Kensky, Jake Picking as Sean Collier, Melissa Benoist as Katherine Russell, wife of Dzhokhar, Khandi Alexander as Police Interrogator, Lana Condor as Li, Jimmy Yang as Dun Meng and Vincent Curatola as Mayor Thomas Menino.
This is realistically directed by Peter Berg ("Very Bad Things" '98, "The Rundown" '03, "Friday Night Lights" '04, "The Kingdom" '07, "Hancock" '08, "Battleship" '12, "Lone Survivor" '13, "Deepwater Horizon" '16) plus TV. Certainly this filmmaker is definitely in his comfort zone with this film, but it would be refreshing to see Berg go out on that limb and attempt a project somewhat different. Obviously he can do it--look at his resume. The way he had strategic scenes filmed by using circular photography and quick action editing definitely added that frenetic feel to the story. It was effectively written by Berg, Matt Cook and Joshua Zetumer based on a story by Berg, Cook, Paul Tamasy and Eric Johnson. Certainly Berg has a bit more film experience than the other two writers, but both Cook and Zetumer have projects in the works. Other than a couple of very small areas of slowness in script, this storyline simply soared. The craft of this film was delineated so well it seemed as the audience was reliving that fateful day once again which added to the extreme realism of the story. It was cast well--all gave credible performances and the photography and visuals were designed in explicit detail. Actually, Wahlberg's role as Saunders was the only one that wasn't based on an actual person, instead was a culmination of all who assisted post aftermath, which was a very creative aspect.
As with other films of the like, this is a film that will tug the heartstring and force us to relive that horrid day with a whole new respect for the police, first responders and paramedics. We have a tendency to forget these unsung heroes when catastrophic incidents don't happen. As with our incredible troops, it is films like these that create a pause in our hearts and reflect, and that is certainly good for the soul.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 133mins.
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