The First Purge (2018) Universal/Action-Horror-Sci-Fi RT: 97 minutes Rated R (strong disturbing violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexuality, drug use) Director: Gerard McMurray Screenplay: James DeMonaco Music: Kevin Lax Cinematography: Anastas N. Michos Release date: July 4, 2018 (US) Cast: Y’Lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis, Joivan Wade, Mugga, Patch Darragh, Marisa Tomei, Luna Lauren Velez, Kristen Solis, Rotimi Paul, Mo McRae, Jermel Howard, Siya, Christian Robinson, Steve Harris, Derek Basco. Box Office: $69.5M (US)/$137M (World)
Rating: ***
I like the Purge movies. What’s interesting about them is how they’ve evolved since the first movie in 2013 B.T. (Before Trump). At first, you couldn’t really take them too seriously in their depiction of a dystopian society in which citizens are encouraged and permitted to commit heinous crimes (including murder) during a 12-hour time span known as “The Purge”. Every year, for one night, all crime is legal. People are allowed to do whatever they want or need to do to purge themselves of all anger and hatred. Of course, that’s the official reason. The real reason for the Purge is something only a sinister political party like the NFFA (New Founding Fathers of America) could concoct. Let’s just say they have a terrible way of making America great again.
The First Purge is a prequel that tells how and where it all began. It was originally a social experiment conducted by Dr. Updale (Tomei, My Cousin Vinny) to test the theory that allowing citizens to act out their aggressions will ultimately lower the crime rate. She’s backed by the NFFA represented by slimy Chief of Staff Arlo Sabian (Darragh, The Path) who you just know has something sneaky up his sleeve. “The Experiment”, as it’s called, will take place in Staten Island, NY. Residents are being paid a lot of money to participate. However, not everybody is on board. Local activist Nya (Davis, Superfly) tries to discourage her friends and neighbors from taking part as it’s bad for the community. Drug kingpin Dmitri (Noel, Insecure) forbids his crew from joining in because it’s bad for business. Meanwhile, Nya’s younger brother Isaiah (Wade, EastEnders) signs up so he can go after the psycho junkie, Skeletor (Paul, Dutch Kills), who attacked him while he was dealing for Dmitri.
And so the Experiment begins. Initially, participation is minimal. There’s some looting and vandalism. Isaiah goes looking for Skeletor. Skeletor claims a victim at an ATM. Mostly, people hide in churches or go to block parties. Updale and Sabian stare at footage not liking what they see or rather, what they’re not seeing. In need of better results, Sabian sends in a group of armed mercenaries to stir the pot by attacking residents. This, of course, leads to key characters fighting back. By the way, there are NO spoilers here. Everything I revealed was already revealed in the trailer.
In our current political climate, the premise of the Purge movies doesn’t seem so far-fetched. The idea of a hate-mongering political party in power hits very close to home. There’s no telling where our society is headed. We live in uncertain times. The folks behind the Purge movies understand this and know exactly what buttons to push. These are the things I’d say if I wanted to analyze The First Purge as a political allegory. However, I don’t think every audience member cares about this. Some, most I would expect, just show up to see a violent action-horror flick. Why don’t we look at it that way, okay?
The First Purge is a slick, nasty, violent action-horror movie. In other words, it’s exactly the prequel Purge fans want. Well, almost. The heavy political overtones aren’t exactly subtle but then again, this franchise isn’t exactly known for its subtlety. Take the image of the lead mercenary decked out in a black leather trenchcoat similar to the ones worn by Nazis and other white supremacist groups. Or the group of mercenaries dressed like KKK. We know what the movie is getting at; let’s get to the violence because ultimately, this is what the audience wants to see. I’m pleased to say that The First Purge more than delivers in this area. There are shootings, stabbings, beatings and burnings. Skeletor is like a ghetto version of Freddy Krueger. There’s a great deal of bloodshed. This gorehound is satisfied.
I usually talk about the actors’ performances in my reviews but I don’t think I will this time. I mean, who goes to see The First Purge for great acting? Nobody, that’s who! I can say that the actors deliver the exact kinds of performances the movie requires. They play stock characters. They look scared when it’s called for and jump into action at just the right moments. What more could you want? I could say something about Tomei. I could question what she’s doing in a high-class exploitation movie. Why bother?
The First Purge is a well-made movie. The action scenes are well-orchestrated. It kind of reminds me of early John Carpenter, one bit is right out of Assault on Precinct 13 (you’ll know it when you see it). All in all, The First Purge doesn’t disappoint. It’s a good movie. If you like the other three Purge films, there’s no reason you won’t like this one too.
