Somewhere in Hollywood, someone decided to write a movie script where the main premise is grounded on being able to release built-up anger one day a year in any form you choose. A purge is defined as the removal through clearing of guilt, or to free from moral or ceremonial defilement. The 2013 thriller, The Purge, takes place in the year 2022, where the U.S. has sanctioned an annual catharsis.
The premise of the The Purge seems to answer all of life’s questions – can’t we all get along just as long as we can kill anyone without being convicted? Why are we unhappy given we are so much better off than other nations? Why do we have such violent impulses as humans? These questions are answered somewhat by the Sandins, the main characters in the film played by Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey; whose son, Charlie, lets in a homeless stranger being hunted by a group of individuals seeking to release themselves of their indignations, irritable passions and boiling over rage.
But the real question of The Purge that is answered is how far humans are willing to go to protect their families in the midst of chaos and fear masqueraded as a cleansing of sorts. It is unfortunately, however, answered in a roundabout way that gets trampled by a punctured plotline. It could be because viewers are supposed to suspend their disbelief that the United States government would permit such tumultuous turbulence as a way of the soul vanquishing its ills or perhaps because it utilizes thriller clichés that become more nauseating than entertaining. Admittedly, they do work in the end as a Purge 2 is already in the works noting that audiences enjoyed seeing a rather formulaic whitewashed exposé on absolution.
The Purge receives a PAR
Rating:
P…Horrible
PA…Tolerable
PAR…Good
PARL…Kinda Great
PARLÉ… Classic
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