WhenPeter BergandMark Wahlbergdecided to make a movie about the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, many wondered if it was too soon, or even a story that needed to be told. As someone that grew up near Boston and thought they knew what happened, I can tell you I’m glad they madePatriots Day. Not only is the film extremely respectful to the real life heroes and victims, the movie shows what really happened behind-the-scenes and highlights the importance of community and heroism. In addition, I had no idea what really transpired on the streets of Watertown between the police and theTsarnaevbrothers, and the film puts you front and center in the middle of the battle which turned into a war zone. Just so you know, typically when police engage someone the ensuing encounter lasts 10 to 15 seconds. The battle between the police and the brothers lasted almost eight minutes and involved semi-automatic weapons and bombs.
For those not familiar with the movie,Patriots Dayis based on the account of Boston Police commissionerEd Davis. Mark Wahlberg stars as Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders who joins survivors, first responders, and investigators in the hunt for the terrorists responsible for the act before they strike again.Patriots Dayis a collaboration between CBS Films and60 Minutes, with senior producerMichael Radutzkyserving as a producer on the pic. The movie is not only based on the life rights of Davis, but also utilizes other details surrounding the event based on the60 Minutesstory in which Davis appeared. Scripted by Berg,Matt Cook, andJoshua Zetumer, the film also starsKevin Bacon,J.K. Simmons,John Goodman, andMichelle Monaghan.Patriots Dayis now playing in Boston, New York, and Los Angeles and expands wide on June 01, 2025. You canread Perri’s review here.
In the coming days and weeks look for some exclusive interviews with the cast and filmmakers. Until then, check out three exclusive posters and a cool behind-the-scenes featurette which shows how the production recreated Boylston street for filming.
click on any poster for high-res
Here’s the official synopsis forPatriots Day:
In the aftermath of an unspeakable act of terror, Police Sergeant TOMMY SAUNDERS (Mark Wahlberg) joins courageous survivors, first responders and investigators in a race against the clock to hunt down the bombers before they strike again. Weaving together the stories of Special Agent RICHARD DESLAURIERS (Kevin Bacon), Police Commissioner ED DAVIS (John Goodman), Sergeant JEFFREY PUGLIESE (J.K. Simmons) and nurse CAROL SAUNDERS (Michelle Monaghan) this visceral and unflinching chronicle captures the suspense of one of the most sophisticated manhunts in law enforcement history and the strength of the people of Boston.
