Stronger - A Movie Review

You are stronger than you think. Never give up.

Based on true events, Stronger is a 2017 film about the inspiring real-life story of Jeff Bauman. A survivor of the 2013 Boston Marathon Bombing, Jeff recuperates after the loss of his legs, experiencing PTSD. Jeff and Erin give their troubled romance another shot.

I will always remember watching the newscasts of the Boston Marathon Bombings. This day affected several people. Jeff Bauman’s road to recovery has inspired many. Although Stronger is difficult to watch, Bauman’s story reflects how we need to keep fighting through the impossible.

How has Jake Gyllenhaal never won an Oscar? Achieving a remarkable portrayal as Jeff Bauman, he is unsure of how to live his life both as an amputee and how the world views him as a hero. Gyllenhaal delivers an exceptional performance, capturing the character’s vulnerabilities and a man struggling to reconcile his identity following the incident.

Aside from Jeff’s road to recovery, this film focuses on the complex relationship between Jeff and Erin Hurley. Torn between her feelings for Jeff and her own insecurities, Gyllenhaal and Tatiana Maslany give striking performances. Their heated argument is one of the best-acted scenes in the film, spitting vile words and accusations at one another.

Filling in roles as family members, friends, or extras in scenes, expect appearances from Miranda Richardson, Clancy Brown, Lenny Clarke, Richard Lane Jr., Frankie Shaw, and Jimmy LeBlanc were all terrific.

Richardson was remarkable as Patty Bauman, Jeff’s mother. Jeff’s injury has an impact on the whole family. She’s not the most responsible mother but learns a lesson from her son’s recovery.

All the doctors and physical therapists in the film are real. The doctor who took the bandages off Gyllenhaal is an actual medical professional to Bauman. Stronger pays respects to the dedicated doctors who worked endlessly when the bombings transpired.

David Gordon Green created a sense of authenticity, allowing viewers to connect in this emotional rollercoaster. Through Jeff's journey, the film presents a powerful examination of what it means to find strength in the face of adversity delvING into the pressures survivors face.

The Boston Marathon bombing is not an easy subject matter and Green carefully films scenes with discretion. A lot of foul language is tossed around, traumatic images of the incident, and the main character has PTSD. You’re not going to agree with the decisions or immature behavior of the characters but that’s for a reason.

However, there is still room for light comedy. Keeping a sense of humor, Jeff jokes about his situation. Don’t let the gravity of the situation stop you from finding humor.

One component Stronger touches on is the involvement of the media. Unlike some films, Jeff doesn’t let the publicity or the new excitement of his name get to him. The attention worsens his mental well-being. Don’t let the media get the best of you. Be yourself and give the advice you want people to remember.

Nobody ever understands the depths of emotional battles. Investing viewers into the intense emotional pain, Stronger deals with how you can pick yourself up and move forward.

The final scene of the film is one of the most inspiring scenes anybody will witness, and Gyllenhaal does justice to Bauman's story. The advice given to Jeff in the film’s climax by a fan is a sentimental and thought-provoking speech that will inspire anybody to keep trying.

Stronger is an inspiring movie for anyone who is struggling with impairments. The film is now streaming on Netflix so you should go watch it.