Episode 127 - The Purge (2013)

100 Horrors

"The Purge" is a 2013 dystopian horror thriller film written and directed by James DeMonaco. The film is set in a future America where the government has instituted an annual event called "The Purge," which takes place on March 21st and lasts for 12 hours, from 7 PM to 7 AM. During this time, all crime, including murder, becomes legal, and emergency services are suspended. The idea behind The Purge is that it allows society to release its pent-up aggression and cleanse itself of criminal elements.

The story primarily focuses on the Sandin family, consisting of James (played by Ethan Hawke), his wife Mary (played by Lena Headey), and their two children, Charlie and Zoey. James sells security systems designed to protect homes during The Purge, and the family appears to be well-prepared for the annual event. However, their sense of security is shattered when their son Charlie lets a wounded stranger, who is being pursued by a group of masked purgers, into their home.

As the night unfolds, the Sandin family must defend their home against a group of violent purgers who demand that they release the injured man. The film explores themes of social inequality, the consequences of violence, and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters as they grapple with the brutal reality of The Purge.

"The Purge" received mixed to positive reviews from critics and was praised for its unique premise and suspenseful moments. It also spawned several sequels, including "The Purge: Anarchy" (2014), "The Purge: Election Year" (2016), "The First Purge" (2018), and a television series titled "The Purge" (2018-2019). These subsequent installments further explored the concept of The Purge and its societal implications.

Overall, "The Purge" is known for its tense and thrilling portrayal of a nightmarish future where chaos reigns for 12 hours, and it has become a notable entry in the horror genre.