The Purge takes place in the year 2022 where the world isn't perfect but pretty close. We are introduced to James Sandin (Ethan Hawke), a security system salesman, who has turned a pretty penny by selling high-tech security systems to help rich people lock down their home on Purge night. Things go terribly wrong for the family when James' son (Max Burkholder) let's an unknown stranger (Edwin Hodge) into their home. Things get even worse when a group of entitled rich kids and their leader (Rhys Wakefield) show up the house to collect their kill and demand the family give him to them or they will die too. The family is split on rather to give the man over to die or rather to fight the intruders off. The Sandin family soon finds out what most of the poor have to endure on Purge night as their security system is ripped down and they spend the night fighting for their lives.
The movie's writer/director James DeMonaco cuts several corners when it comes to being innovative and creative and chooses to focus on one family's struggle to remain alive during The Purge because most of the people in danger of dying are ones you could care less about. The son of the family decides to let in a stranger who is running from attackers and because of this the whole family is put in peril. While this moment of kindness shows that everyone has not turned to complete monsters in this new world, but being all of the characters are so unlikable, you can't help but root for them to die by the hands of the intruders.
The Purge never gives the viewer a clear idea of what James is really fighting for in the film because you sometimes wonder if he is wanting to protect his family or the reputation of his security systems. The leader of the intruders referred to as "The Polite Stranger" in the movie's credits never really shows himself but a few times within the film making you wonder how bad he really wants the stranger or what is real purpose is. The leader's minions are usually frolicking around with machetes and swinging in the backyard laughing to the point you really stop caring about anyone in the film by the time the credits roll. Between the shaky camera, unlikeable characters and dense plot, there isn’t really much to like about The Purge. After watching The Purge, you may feel the need to cleanse your on mind, and purge the fact that you ever even watched this movie.
(DVD Review)
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Max Burkholder, Rhys Wakefield and Edwin Hodge
Director: James Demonaco
Screenplay: James Demonaco
Genre: Horror, Science Fiction, Thriller
Rating: R
Theater Release Date: June 7, 2013
Runtime: 86 minutes