*This is a modified repost of my LFF review*

The second film this year to depict the Boston Marathon Bombings of only four years ago, this is so much more than most of the other overcoming adversity biopics we have become accustomed to, and delivers a really poignant, authentic-feeling account of Jeff Bauman’s experiences as a result of being caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The film begins mere days before the marathon, introducing us to Bauman (Gyllenhaal) as a man wanting to impress his ex-girlfriend, Erin (Tatiana Maslany), to convince her to get back together again (they had also broken up previously). As a part of proving his commitment and growth, having previously let her down, he promises to show up for her at the finish line of the marathon she is running. Tragically, this leads to him being stood very close to the bomb that causes both of his legs to need to be amputated above the knee. The film then follows him as he begins his rehabilitation and comes to terms with this drastic change in his life, with the great support of Erin and his family.

What sets this film apart from others that can boil down to a similar non-specific one-sentence plot is this does not shy away from the reality of the situation for the characters. It doesn’t feel ‘Hollywood’ in that it doesn’t sugarcoat the hardships or cover the flaws or struggles of each character in an attempt to present them as simply a symbol of ‘hero’, as the press seemingly does (and which is prominently addressed in the film). This makes them feel real, and makes the film feel truthful, giving it much greater power both in its emotion, and its understanding. You see the painful moments where Bauman gets out of bed, goes to stand up on non-existent legs and falls, hard, onto the floor. You see him struggle initially to even be motivated to try and overcome this, instead reverting to drinking and missing physio. You see the people crack and snap at eachother, as the emotional toll taken on everyone begins to overwhelm them. The raw emotion, and the power that has, is phenomenal.

It delves into the person behind the ‘hero’ and ‘survivor’ headlines, helping to hit home the personal struggles and stories that are behind all the images and statistics we sadly see too often in the news. Bauman was a key part in identifying the bomber, having seen him shortly before the explosion, but the film is keen to focus on that in the way it seems Bauman himself does; he doesn’t seem to feel overly heroic, and sees it as doing what any person would have done, thus doesn’t dwell on it; and neither does the film. You also see the way his newfound fame affects him, and the pressure he comes under to be out there as this symbol of heroism and courage, when he is still recovering (both physically and emotionally).

At the heart of it is an incredible performance by Gyllenhaal (what else would you expect). You completely forget you are watching him, and only see Bauman. From the interviews I’ve seen, and articles I’ve read, he seems to have really captured the essence of the person, something that comes through in the feeling of authenticity that radiates from the screen. He is matched by a fantastic Maslany, in a role which is so much more than the doting partner that is so often depicted. Their relationship is complex, and she is entirely her own person. The film gives space for her struggles as well as Jeff’s, something that extends to the whole family and supporting cast (including an especially brilliant Miranda Richardson as Bauman’s mother).

The film is directed brilliantly too (by David Gordon-Green), maintaining a tone than never falls into the overly-dramatic, and bringing out a story that sends a powerful, inspiring message, but doesn’t feel faked or cliché. Each shot is filled with purpose, and each brings you closer to Jeff, embroiling you in his struggles, involving you in his emotions. The film also chooses when to show the moments after the bomb went off (and the choices give it great effect), to also highlight the PTSD of experiencing such a thing, and how the struggle isn’t just dealing with the here and the now, but memories and the past itself. It is sensitively done, in a moment of raw pain, which gives it so much power.

The result is a telling of a story that feels very real and very authentic. It will elicit great emotion, even as it pulls you in so much that in moments you may briefly forget this is a true story; it doesn’t rely on that to give it its emotional weight. It is a worthy and fitting tribute to an inspirational figure, who, by the end, you will come to see as a man.