Patriots Day is a 2016 action-thriller film that dramatizes the events of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the extensive city-wide manhunt that followed. The narrative provides a detailed chronological account of the terrorist attack and the four-day investigation to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The story is primarily told through the experiences of several key figures, anchored by the fictional Boston Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders, a composite character created to represent the collective efforts of law enforcement officers on the ground.
The film meticulously reconstructs the timeline, beginning with the bombing itself and its chaotic aftermath. It then shifts focus to the complex, high-stakes investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Boston Police Department. The plot interweaves the perspectives of real-life individuals, including FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers, Police Commissioner Ed Davis, and Watertown Sergeant Jeffrey Pugliese, as well as survivors and witnesses. Key events depicted include the analysis of surveillance footage to identify the Tsarnaev brothers, their murder of an MIT police officer, a subsequent carjacking, a tense shootout in Watertown, and the final lockdown and capture of the second suspect.
Ultimately, the film serves as both a procedural docudrama and a tribute to the resilience of the Boston community and the dedication of its first responders. It highlights themes of courage, civic unity, and the coordinated effort between local, state, and federal agencies in a time of crisis. By integrating actual news reports and surveillance footage with its dramatized scenes, the film aims to create an authentic and immersive experience that honors the victims and heroes of the event, encapsulating the spirit of "Boston Strong."
