Why The New Movie 'Stronger' Will Make You Believe In Love Again

Another story from the tragic 2013 Boston Marathon bombing is coming to our movie screens, but in the case of Stronger, the movie is more about a real-life couple's bond and journey together than the bombing itself. Photos of the inspiration for Stronger, Jeff Bauman and Erin Hurley, show not only how close the duo were in the time after Bauman lost his legs in the terrorist attack, but what a journey they went on as they dealt with the resulting media onslaught.

Bauman and Hurley's moving story is now cemented on film in Stronger, starring Jake Gyllenhaal as Bauman and Tatiana Maslany as Hurley. The couple are portrayed as on-again, off-again; during one time when Bauman wanted to prove that he was really there for his girlfriend, he showed up at the finish line of the Boston Marathon in 2013 and ended up getting horrifically injured in the bombing. Stronger follows the attack and the aftermath, where Bauman learned he lost both of his legs and was forced to grapple with the intense recovery process. The film portrays Bauman's recovery as a test of his inner strength and resolve, but also as a test of the strength of his relationship with Hurley.

Unfortunately, it was reported back in March of this year that Bauman and Hurley would be filing for divorce after three years of marriage, so the couple have not appeared together recently as promotion for Stronger has ramped up. At the time the divorce news broke, a statement was released through Bauman's reps saying, "Jeff and Erin have decided that it is best to move forward as friends. Though their relationship has changed, their admiration, love and mutual respect for each other will never waver. They are dedicated to loving and parenting their daughter, Nora, and ask for privacy."

Even though Bauman and Hurley have been through an incredible amount of pain, loss, and personal triumph, looking back on photos of them together show just how much they relied on each other during that difficult time, and how close their bond undoubtedly still is despite their separation.

Their Wedding Day

In one of the earliest available photos of the duo, taken after the Boston Marathon bombing, the couple is seen getting married. Taken in 2014, you can see Bauman reading what appears to be his wedding vows.

A Pregnancy Announcement

The couple got a sweet shout-out on social media when they announced Hurley was pregnant with their first child. The photo used shows them in a calm and tender moment at home on the couch.

Welcoming Their Daughter

In 2014, the couple — married less than a year at this point — welcomed their daughter, Nora, into the world. The happy family had their photo posted to the Twitter account of the hospital where Hurley gave birth.

Return To The Boston Marathon

A month before they announced their divorce, Bauman and Hurley looked serenely triumphant as they celebrated Hurley crossing the finish line at the 2017 Boston Marathon. Onlookers watched at the pair embraced, touching their foreheads together and smiling in this huge moment.

Throwing Out The First Pitch

Here, in one of the most recent photos of the couple, Bauman is accompanied by Hurley and Nora as they make their way out to the pitcher's mound at Fenway Park.

Regardless of whether they're together or not, what's important to note is how inspiring Bauman and Hurley's bond is despite the tragedy they've experienced. Their story is proof that even in the wake of great loss, there is a chance to reclaim some joy, be it in marriage, in the birth of a child, or in getting to do something you once thought was impossible.