Mark Wahlberg, an actor who typically stars in action and comedy films, starred in the December 2016 film Patriot’s Day, an emotionally dense film surrounding the tragic event that struck Boston during the marathon on April 15 of 2013.

The film itself tells the story of the day, in which two bombs were dropped a few hundred miles apart, one being right at the finish line of the marathon. A first response team immediately braved the destruction, and medics treated as many victims as best they could in a timely fashion. The Black Falcon Warehouse was the central hub that the Boston Police Department and the FBI worked at to develop their theories based on hard evidence and tips given to them by the public.

One of the most impactful quotes of the film was spoken during the search for the bombers and said, “the clock is ticking and the world is watching. There’s a terrorist loose in our city.” This quote set the tone of the fear and anxiety that embodied the entire city of Boston.

The bombing was not declared an act of terrorism until the end of the movie was approaching, but rather the suspects were called “white hat” and “black hat.” As viewers, we knew the entire time who the perpetrators were, so watching the detectives investigate and more events take place grew almost irritating and suspenseful as the movie went on.

The extensive plot of the film can be found on the website, as well as information on the real-life heroes and the entire back-story.

Scott Feinberg from The Hollywood Reporter writes, “a powerful, moving and much-needed reminder that Americans of all different stripes can and must come together.”

I agree with Feinberg. I thought the actors and the filmmakers did a fantastic job recreating and capturing such a traumatic and important piece of our nation’s history. It demonstrated how easily homemade terrorist tactics can be created, and how strong one city of people can band together. The survivors who were extremely wounded demonstrated so much bravery and positivity throughout the film, ultimately showing how good can overpower evil, as well as how love can beat hate.

Patriot’s Day is still playing in theaters across the states, so be sure grab a box of tissues before seeing.