The Purge

Rating: 3/5

The purge tells the story of, well, ‘The Purge’.

It is a new scheme introduced by the American government to legalise all crime for just one night a year.

According to the film, crime is at an all-time low as a result and most families have come to accept this day, that’s not to say they’re exactly looking forward to it!

The film follows one family in particular, the Sandin’s, consisting of father James (Ethan Hawke), mother Mary (Lena Headey, best known for her role as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones), daughter Zoey (Adelaide Kane) and son Charlie (Max Burkholder). 

Naïve and kindhearted Charlie let’s in a man that’s helplessly seeking refuge from the dangerous territory of outside.

Little does he know by allowing this man in to his family home he’s unleashing a night full of terror upon them. And this is where the movies catch phrase ‘Survive the night’ comes in to place.

It’s safe to say I did enjoy this film.

Director James DeMonaco is hardly a master of suspense however he did have me nail-biting and sitting on the end of my seat with a few scenes that can be compared to that of The Strangers (in my eyes, one of the creepiest horrors going). So he definitely did something right!

 Second to that there’s a scene in the middle where the dad James turns a bit Liam Neeson in Taken that is very entertaining to watch.

However the film doesn’t come without its faults.

The main fault isn’t really down to the making of the film, it’s the fact it is a film.

The idea of The Purge is a new and interesting concept, so much so that it is possible it would have worked better as a TV series. 


My suggestion would be a few episodes explaining the creation of The Purge, a few consisting of The Purge and a few including the aftermath. Maybe (hopefully) someone will take up the challenge? 



My only other criticism is the apparent inability of any family members to save themselves yet somehow having this incredible ability to save one another. It made for predictable viewing, AKA oh daughters down, here’s mum to save her (that’s not a spoiler by the way, just an example!) 



Having said all that it is worthy of a watch, just probably not when home alone.