The keyword phrase functions as a noun phrase, with the core concept being the noun "accuracy." The analysis of the film centers on evaluating the degree to which its narrative aligns with the historical record. The film is largely faithful to the factual timeline of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, the subsequent investigation, and the city-wide manhunt. It functions as a docudrama, meticulously recreating the sequence of major events, from the initial attack to the capture of the surviving perpetrator, often blending dramatized scenes with actual news and surveillance footage for authenticity.
Key elements portrayed with a high degree of fidelity include the bombing at the finish line, the FBI's process of identifying the Tsarnaev brothers from video evidence, the murder of MIT Police Officer Sean Collier, the carjacking of Dun Meng (whose escape was crucial), and the final, intense shootout in Watertown. The film's depiction of the law enforcement and medical response is based on extensive research and interviews. However, a significant departure from strict historical fact is the creation of composite characters. The central protagonist, Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg), is not a real individual but an amalgamation of several different Boston police officers who were involved at various stages of the crisis. This narrative device serves to streamline a complex, multi-perspective event into a cohesive cinematic experience through a single viewpoint.
Ultimately, the film prioritizes procedural and emotional truth over a verbatim, moment-by-moment recreation. While the overarching events are presented accurately, specific dialogues and personal interactions are dramatized for narrative effect. The use of a composite lead character is a deliberate storytelling choice that allows the audience to navigate the sprawling, multi-agency investigation efficiently. Therefore, the film should be viewed as a respectful and fact-based dramatization that captures the spirit and timeline of the events, rather than a pure documentary. Its strength lies in its accurate portrayal of the event's chronology and a community's response, while its dramatic elements are concentrated in the characterizations.
