The Boston Marathon bombing of 2013, which caused 3 deaths and injured 264, led to a massive manhunt, expertly recreated by Peter Berg in last year's "Patriots Day." "Stronger" doesn't focus on that, instead, it deals with one of the victims, Jeff Bauman, who survived, but lost both of his legs. Judging from this trailer Jake Gyllenhaal, who plays Bauman, is going for an Oscar nomination here and it looks like the kind of performance the Academy would reward. David Gordon Green, no slouch to directing above average movies, helms the director's chair here. Suffice to say, I would be very surprised if this doesn't have its world premiere at this year's Toronto International Film Festival in September.
Official Synopsis:
"Stronger is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff, a 27-year-old, working-class Boston man who was at the marathon to try and win back his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany). Waiting for her at the finish line when the blast occurs, he loses both his legs in the attack. After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Jeff is able to help law enforcement identify one of the bombers, but his own battle has just begun. He tackles months of physical and emotional rehabilitation with the unwavering support of Erin and his family. It is Jeff’s deeply personal account of the heroic journey that tests a family’s bond, defines a community’s pride and inspires his inner courage to overcome devastating adversity. Filled with raw emotion, humanity and humor, Stronger is the inspirational real-life story of the man who became the living embodiment of “Boston Strong.” The film also stars Academy Award® nominee Miranda Richardson and is directed by David Gordon Green."
Stronger” opens on September 22nd