Lionsgate and Roadside Attractions have released the first trailer for the true story drama Stronger. Directed by versatile filmmaker David Gordon Green (Prince Avalanche, Pineapple Express), the film stars Jake Gyllenhaal as Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who became a symbol of heroism and strength after losing both of his legs during the tragic 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Unlike the Mark Wahlberg vehicle Patriot’s Day, this film is mostly focused on what happened after the bombing, and how the event and the public affected Bauman and his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany), who was running the marathon at the time.

Gyllenhaal is one of our greatest living actors and he appears to be giving an incredible performance here. This film has been completed for quite a while, but it looks like it was a smart move to hold it and give it some space from Patriot’s Day. It appears to be a very different movie—an emotional character study—and this makes me incredibly eager to see it. Moreover, Green is a super weird director. He can easily vacillate between low-brow fantasy comedy like Your Highness and a super intimate, small-scale character drama like Manglehorn. Stronger definitely looks like one to watch out for.

Check out the Stronger trailer below. The film also stars Miranda Richardson and opens in theaters on September 22nd (which, yes, is a very awards friendly date—watch this space).

Here’s the official synopsis for Stronger:

Stronger is the inspiring true story of Jeff Bauman, an ordinary man who captured the hearts of his city and the world to become the symbol of hope following the infamous 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Jake Gyllenhaal stars as Jeff, a 27-year-old, working-class Boston man who was at the marathon to try and win back his ex-girlfriend Erin (Tatiana Maslany). Waiting for her at the finish line when the blast occurs, he loses both his legs in the attack. After regaining consciousness in the hospital, Jeff is able to help law enforcement identify one of the bombers, but his own battle has just begun. He tackles months of physical and emotional rehabilitation with the unwavering support of Erin and his family. It is Jeff’s deeply personal account of the heroic journey that tests a family’s bond, defines a community’s pride and inspires his inner courage to overcome devastating adversity. Filled with raw emotion, humanity and humor, Stronger is the inspirational real-life story of the man who became the living embodiment of “Boston Strong.” The film also stars Academy Award® nominee Miranda Richardson and is directed by David Gordon Green.

stronger-image-jake-gyllenhaal
Image via Lionsgate
stronger-jake-gyllenhaal
Image via Lionsgate
jake-gyllenhaal-stronger
Image via Lionsgate