The film achieves a high degree of realism by adhering closely to the factual timeline of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the ensuing four-day manhunt. Its depiction of the core eventsthe bombing itself, the identification of the suspects through surveillance, the murder of Officer Sean Collier, the Watertown shootout, and the final captureis largely accurate and based on extensive public records, investigative reports, and journalistic accounts. The production enhances this authenticity by incorporating actual news footage and filming in many of the real-life locations.
The most significant departure from factual representation lies in its use of composite characters. The central protagonist, Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders (Mark Wahlberg), is not a real individual but an amalgamation of several different Boston police officers. This character was created as a narrative device to provide a singular, consistent viewpoint through which the audience can experience the sprawling, multi-agency investigation. While the actions and experiences attributed to this character are based on the real actions of multiple people, his existence as a single hero at the center of every key moment is a dramatic invention for storytelling purposes.
In conclusion, the film prioritizes procedural and emotional authenticity over a strict, documentary-style retelling. It accurately portrays the sequence of events and effectively captures the atmosphere of fear, confusion, and resilience that gripped the city. While the use of a composite lead character is a clear element of dramatization, the film is widely considered a realistic and respectful portrayal of the historical incident. It functions as a docudrama, blending factual accuracy with narrative techniques to create a cohesive and impactful cinematic experience.
