The first trailer for the Jake Gyllenhaal-led drama Stronger has been released. The film is based on the inspiring true story of a man who lost his legs during the Boston Marathon bombing of 2013 and fought to keep hope in his life, thereafter.

Stronger will be the second film in as many years to tell a story about the high-profile terrorist bombing at the Boston Marathon, which killed three people and injured thousands others. Last year's Patriots Daystarring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Peter Berg, was a powerful film that took a extensive and wide look at the event, with a Zero Dark Thirty-esque focus on the manhunt to capture the men responsible.

Though that film never lost its human element and did look at the civilians and victims of the attacks, Stronger seems to take a much more personal approach to that terrible day. Gyllenhaal plays Jeff Bauman, a man who lost both of his legs supporting his girlfriend (Tatiana Maslany) as she ran the marathon. The film will follow his rehabilitation efforts, as he and his family learns to cope with the loss and he tries to find the strength to walk again.

This is an excellent, chills-inducing trailer for a film that has the potential to be among the best films of the year.  Stronger is directed by David Gordon Green, who is probably best known to the casual film fan as the director of stoner comedies like Pineapple Express and Your Highness. In the past couple of years, however, his career has taken a turn towards indie drama, and Stronger certainly seems to tap into those developing skills. There is the possibility that the film could lean more towards the schmaltzy and cliched side than the authentic and genuinely emotional side, but the trailer explores complex themes of guilt and blame in a terrible situation that already seems to put Stronger above many generic dramas.

If nothing else, the film looks to features two masterful performances by two heavyweights of acting. Gyllenhaal seems to be really pushing for that elusive Oscar in the past couple of years, transforming his persona and his body for films like Southpaw, Nocturnal Animals, and especially 2014's NightcrawlerStronger may be among some of his most powerful work yet, as he has to convincingly capture a limiting physical disability, a challenging Boston accent, and the essence of a man who is still alive today with a harrowing but important story to tell. Maslany, almost exclusively known for her work on BBC series Orphan Blackalso looks to give a great supporting performance as the second part of an intriguing pairing of acting showcases.

NEXT: Tom Holland Wants Jake Gyllenhaal for Uncharted

Source: Roadside Attractions

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