The film "Patriots Day" is indeed based on a true story. It meticulously reconstructs the events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and its subsequent aftermath. The narrative draws directly from the real-life incidents, showcasing the immediate response, the intensive manhunt for the perpetrators, and the profound impact on the city of Boston and its residents.
Specifically, the movie chronicles the terrorist attack that occurred on April 15, 2013, when two pressure cooker bombs detonated near the finish line of the Boston Marathon. It depicts the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Massachusetts State Police, and Boston Police Department, in identifying and apprehending the bombers, Tamerlan and Dzhokhar Tsarnaev. The film covers the critical four-day period following the attack, encompassing the investigation, the Watertown shootout, and the eventual capture of Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, interspersed with the personal experiences of victims, first responders, and community members.
While cinematic adaptations of true events often take dramatic liberties for narrative coherence, "Patriots Day" endeavors to provide a largely accurate portrayal of the factual timeline and key figures involved. Its primary intent is to honor the resilience of the Boston community and the heroism of those who responded to the crisis, serving as a cinematic testament to a significant moment in American history.