The phrase translates to "Patriots Day is about..." The subject, "Patriots Day," is a proper noun referring to the 2016 film. The film dramatizes the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent city-wide manhunt for the perpetrators. It chronicles the terrorist attack, the immediate response from law enforcement and first responders, and the intense, four-day investigation that followed, culminating in the capture of the surviving suspect.
The narrative is presented as a procedural thriller, detailing the step-by-step process of the investigation. It follows multiple perspectives, weaving together the experiences of fictional composite characters, such as Police Sergeant Tommy Saunders (played by Mark Wahlberg), with those of real-life figures, including FBI Special Agent Richard DesLauriers, Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, and victims of the bombing. Key events depicted include the analysis of surveillance footage to identify the Tsarnaev brothers, the murder of MIT Officer Sean Collier, a carjacking that led to a crucial tip, and the final violent shootout in Watertown, Massachusetts.
Ultimately, the film serves as a tribute to the resilience of the Boston community and a commendation of the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. It focuses on themes of civic unity, heroism in the face of tragedy, and the meticulous process of a modern counter-terrorism investigation. The film emphasizes the "Boston Strong" spirit, portraying how ordinary citizens and public servants came together to respond to an act of terror.
