The film Patriots Day is classified within multiple genres, most accurately described as an action thriller and a docudrama. It merges the fact-based, historical storytelling of a docudrama with the high-stakes, suspenseful pacing of an action thriller.
The film's categorization as a docudrama is based on its dramatization of the real-life 2013 Boston Marathon bombing and the subsequent manhunt. It is adapted from the non-fiction book Boston Strong: A City's Triumph Over Tragedy and incorporates archival news footage and photographic evidence to maintain historical accuracy. As a crime drama, it meticulously follows the police procedural steps taken by local and federal law enforcement to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The action thriller elements are evident in the film's direction, which emphasizes suspense, fast-paced editing, and intense sequences, including the Watertown shootout and the final standoff.
The synthesis of these genres serves a distinct purpose. The docudrama framework lends authenticity and emotional gravity to the narrative, paying tribute to the victims and heroes of the event. Simultaneously, the action thriller structure creates a compelling and visceral viewing experience, translating the complex, multi-day investigation into a cohesive and tense cinematic narrative. This hybrid approach allows the film to function as both a historical account and a piece of suspenseful entertainment.
