After Peter Berg took some liberties in directing a thriller-esque approach to the Boston Marathon Bombing drama with last year’s Patriots Day, a new film this fall takes a more personal lens on the horrific event. Stronger, directed by David Gordon Green, tells the story of survivor Jeff Bauman (Jake Gyllenhaal) who adjusts to his new life after losing his legs in the terrorist attack.
Ahead of a fall release and likely TIFF debut, the first trailer has now landed. “I can’t begin to think about the pain that he has been through. In fact, I have thought about it a lot. I’ve tried to,” Gyllenhaal tells USA Today. “But I don’t know if I would have been able to survive. I don’t know if I have the strength that he has. And that’s a question that I ask myself every day with this film.”
Check out the trailer below for the film also starring Tatiana Maslany, Miranda Richardson and Clancy Brown.
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 22.