Stronger (2017)
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The story
Jeff Bauman, a well-intentioned but underachieving Boston native, lives with his alcoholic mother and works at a deli counter. While waiting at the finish line of the 2013 Boston Marathon to meet his girlfriend Erin, Jeff is caught in a bomb explosion. The blast results in the amputation of both of his legs above the knee. As Jeff begins his grueling rehabilitation, he struggles to cope with his newfound fame, the physical limitations of his condition, and the intense media attention surrounding his status as a hero.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Jeff Bauman, a Boston native, is caught in the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, resulting in the amputation of both his legs. While he is hailed as a hero for identifying the bomber, Jeff struggles with PTSD, physical rehabilitation, and the intrusive media attention fueled by his mother, Patty. His relationship with his girlfriend, Erin, is strained by his self-pity and the constant scrutiny. After a period of drinking and neglecting his therapy, Jeff meets Carlos, a man who lost his sons to war and found peace through helping Jeff. Inspired by Carlos's resilience, Jeff stops drinking and commits to his recovery. He eventually reconciles with Erin, takes responsibility for his actions, and finds a sense of purpose in how his experience has impacted others. The film concludes with Jeff walking with prosthetics for the first time with Erin.
- First release year
- 2017
- Runtime (minutes)
- 119
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- David Gordon Green
- Writers
- John Pollono · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Jake Gyllenhaal · Jeff Bauman; Tatiana Maslany · Erin Hurley; Miranda Richardson · Patty Bauman; Clancy Brown · Jeff Bauman Sr.; Carlos Sanz · Carlos Arredondo; Frankie Shaw · Gail Hurley; Danny McCarthy · Kevin; Lenny Clarke · Uncle Bob
- Genres
- biographical drama; Crime; Drama
- Themes
- resilience; PTSD; disability; media scrutiny; family dynamics
- Tone and mood
- emotionally resonant; mature
- Premise and plot tags
- biographical; based on true events; terrorism; amputee; post-traumatic stress disorder
- Source material / true-story basis
- Stronger by Jeff Bauman and Bret Witter
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews from critics for its mature take and Gyllenhaal's performance, but it was a box-office flop.
- Production trivia
- The film was reported to be in development in 2014.; Filming took place in Greater Boston and New York City.; The film grossed $7.7 million worldwide.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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