STORY: On April 15, 2013, two bombs exploded near the finish line of the annual Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring hundreds of people. The film chronicles the terror attack and its aftermath, comprising the week-long relentless investigation undertaken by the Boston Police and the FBI to hunt down prime suspects – brothers, Dzhokhar and Tamerlan Tsarnaev. It also salutes the spirit of Bostonians, who stood united in this moment of crisis.
If you have lived in Mumbai or any city in the world that has been a soft target of terrorists, you won’t be able to hold back your tears while watching this emotional thriller. Though it’s an inspiring tribute to the victims and survivors of the Boston attack, Patriot’s Day has the ability to strike a chord with people universally, as terrorism is a global issue. However, this one’s not for the fainthearted as graphic images of fallen limbs and injured bodies are in abundance.
You’ll like this film for the same reason that you admired Ram Madhvani’s ‘Neerja’ last year. Peter Berg’s compelling and empathetic storytelling makes you feel a part of the crisis instead of being a spectator. Atmospheric and taut, you fear for people’s safety and mourn for those who were killed. The narrative creates an air of paranoia, anxiety and claustrophobia throughout.
What also stands out is the impeccable casting. The convict – Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, whose controversial Rolling Stones cover (August 2013) made headlines, is perfectly enacted by actor Alex Wolff. We wish the film would have been a tad crisper in the second half though.
Intense and thoughtful, the film salutes those who show extraordinary courage and resilience in the face of terror.