Plot
In an ‘alternative reality’ USA – there is year long peacetime. But because of this – where ‘The New Founding Fathers of America’ allow citizens 12 hours of ‘freedom of the law’ – in these 12 hours, anything goes.
In a small idyllic neighbourhood, James Sandin lives with his wife Mary, his daughter Zoey and son Charlie. They lock themselves down for the night, to keep themselves safe. But they have two problems.
One is Zoey’s boyfriend Henry, who wants to ‘talk’ to James, and then there is the Bloody Stranger (who is covered in blood) running through the streets… the one Charlie lets in for sanctuary… the one a group of “Purgers” is after, as he killed one of them, when they tried to kill him….
Direction
Written and Directed by James DeMonaco – it has an almost ‘indie’ budget type feel to it, and considering it was done with a $3m budget, it feels like money well spent.
Shot mostly within the confines of one house, there are lots of close up shots, as well as work in the dark. I also really liked the shots of the heroes and the villains separated by the just a doorframe.
Cast
The cast include some solid names, such as Ethan Hawke as Dad James Sandin. Lena Heady plays his wife Mary. Max Burkholder (of Ted the television show fame) plays son Charlie, and Adelaide Kane plays Zoey their daughter.
Other cast include Tony Oller as Henry – Zoey’s boyfriend, Edwin Hodge as the Bloody Stranger, and Rhys Wakefield as the Polite Leader of the Purgers out to kill the Bloody Stranger.
Breakdown
At just 85m with credits, it does well to set up this ‘alternate reality’ of a world where traditional views have been completely changed. A new government called the ‘New Founding Fathers’ have set up America’s right to have ‘all crimes legal’ for 12 hours, so the other 364 1/2 days of the year citizens abide in peace and harmony (and build up all the resentment!)
For the Sandin family, it it quickly established that James has sold his entire neighbourhood security systems, and has done so well for his family that it has purchased a large extension on their home (which the neighbours may or may not be somewhat jealous of not ‘keeping up with the joneses).
It also explains why such events are seen, such as the flowers placed outside their home (they support the Purge – yet why James and Mary don’t join in on the act too).
When Purge time starts, like normal, they lock themselves in their home – only this year they didn’t count on two variables. Zoey’s older boyfriend wants to keep dating her, and thinks the only way to do so is take out dad!!! And the Bloody Stanger (who’s name never is mentioned) running down the street in search of sanctuary. Charlie lets him in, and then the bad guys show up wanting revenge for their fallen comrade… who the Bloody Stranger killed, when they tried to kill him!
Phew. So much happens within these 85 minutes, it hooks you from the get go, and doesn’t let up until the credits roll. I love it when films hit the nail on the head with such a short run time. Some others to check out that have this are Red Eye, and Phone Booth. Both others come in under 90 mins as well. Films don’t have to drag it out to the 2hr+ runtime to get their point across!
The final arc, in which characters are enamored with those who have died, or ‘sacrificed’ themselves to make the United States safer is an interesting concept. (I did find it slightly comical – that Headey’s character refused to kill her neighbours during Purge time… and it seemed like something one of her most well known characters definitely would have followed through with!)
Overall
A solid horror/thriller – with a great premise, solid cast, limited sets – and great villain.
Looking forward to seeing how the franchise goes from here as there are currently five films in the franchise (all coming by the end of 2026!).
4/5
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