THE FIRST PURGE – Review

What once might have sounded like a ludicrous idea, feels more and more like real life. And no one knows this better than the producers of THE PURGE franchise. Some may call it ham-fisted social commentary while others may need this fictional reflection of many aspects of our current climate to binge and purge the anger we feel towards our world at times. Many of the most iconic horror films in history often act as a reflection of the times they were made. Despite not currently having a government-instated 12-hr night of murder and mayhem, the producers of this series find new ways with each sequel to remind viewers that the horrors on screen are not too far from what’s happening in our streets.

As the title would suggest, this prequel in the series explains how the idea of an annual government-mandated “holiday” came to be. Staten Island serves as the testing ground for this new “experiment,” developed by Marisa Tomei’s character (in a thankless and forgettable role). Backed in part by the political party, the New Founding Fathers of America, the experiment targets the poor and impoverished communities who are encouraged to sign up for the “Purge” through a minimum payment of $5,000 if they take to the streets during the 12-hr killing spree. In typical PURGE fashion, the film follows around a number of individuals trying to survive the night.

Unlike other entries, the film largely focuses on an anti-hero who serves as the local drug dealer of the community – a suave and chilling turn from Y’lan Noel. The dealer-turned-hero story is rife with contradictions as well as plot holes, but it’s still oddly entertaining to watch him dispose of hired attackers in Rambo-esque fashion.

New to the series, director Gerard McMurray favors some striking visuals including an abundance of close-ups and overhead shots, with some stark lighting choices and audio edits as well. One striking sequence is comprised entirely of silhouettes attacking one another set against deep white smoke. Now, if only the scene wasn’t ruined by splatters of unnecessary CGI blood (one even “splashing” on the camera).

James DeMonaco may have stepped down from the director’s chair, but his voice is still ever present in the script. The story tries not to repeat the usual trappings of having a group run away or bunker down and defend themselves for the most part. Even though it ultimately ends that way, THE FIRST PURGE mixes it up by following some unlikely characters backed by motivations that defy the formula the films have done before. Unfortunately, it also includes some the clunkiest dialogue delivered by the political figures in the entire series.

Where the script has plummeted a little, the creepy-factor has reached a new high. THE FIRST PURGE is the scariest entry in the series! They have found new, disturbing ways to outfit their “Purgers.” The most inventive way that they inject a new level of creepiness into the film is through electronic, colored contact lenses, issued by the government to monitor the success of the “experiment.” Their neon-colored eyes make the men and women look like zombies in the night. Anyone with knowledge of zombie folklore can see the haunting symbolism of mind control from a higher being and the futuristic government seducing these individuals to kill.

Horror has always been a platform to discuss social and political issues. This concept of horror films reflecting our current fears is nothing new. It’s been written about at great length, and yet whenever a new horror film comes out that pushes the line with its in-your-face opinions and symbolism, critics and fans alike call foul for being “too political.” THE FIRST PURGE is nothing short of an unashamed barrage to our senses. With its message of people in power taking advantage of the underprivileged to the upsetting imagery of men in KKK robes attacking a Baptist church and men in spiked police uniforms beating a black man in a sports arena, THE PURGE series now stakes the claim of being the most radical and transgressive horror franchise. And like it or not, the annual PURGE shows no signs of lowering its megaphone or fist from the air.

Overall score: 3 out of 5

THE FIRST PURGE opens in theaters July 4th

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