2010s Horror Movie ReviewsHorripilations Movie Reviews

Horripilations Review of The Purge (2013)

The Purge (2013) – Movie Review

Synopsis

Set in a dystopian near-future America, "The Purge" depicts an annual event wherein all crime, including murder, is legal for a twelve-hour period. This annual purge is promoted by the government as a means of controlling overpopulation and reducing crime rates for the rest of the year. On the night of the purge, all emergency services are suspended, and citizens are left to fend for themselves.

The story centres on the Sandin family, whose father, James Sandin (Ethan Hawke), has made a lucrative fortune selling home security systems designed to protect people during the purge. On the night of the event, the family has prepared themselves behind the fortified walls of their lavish home. However, their plans to celebrate a quiet evening are dashed when their son, Charlie (Max Burkholder), compassionately allows a wounded stranger, a man named Dante (Benny E. Smith), into their home. This decision sets off a chain of catastrophic events as the family is soon besieged by a group of masked purgers intent on hunting the stranger. As tensions mount and morality is tested, the Sandins are forced to confront their own values and the consequences of their actions.

Main Cast:

  • Ethan Hawke as James Sandin
  • Lena Headey as Mary Sandin
  • Max Burkholder as Charlie Sandin
  • Adelaide Kane as Zoe Sandin
  • Ralph Ineson as the Polite Leader
  • Edwin Hodge as the Stranger
  • Titus Welliver as the aforementioned "Purge" news anchor

Review

"The Purge," directed by James DeMonaco, initiates a fresh narrative in the genre of horror and thriller films, merging societal commentary with an intensely suspenseful plot. At its core, the film immerses the audience in a chilling concept that cleverly reflects on moral dilemmas, societal decay, and the fragility of human ethics under extreme circumstances.

From the outset, the film successfully establishes its unique premise. The notion of a night where all societal norms are suspended resonates with audiences on multiple levels. It provokes questions about human nature, the thin veneer of civility, and the ease with which moral principles can be abandoned when survival is threatened. DeMonaco’s screenplay delves into these themes, using the purge night as a backdrop to explore the fragility of family bonds, the instinct for self-preservation, and the moral grey areas of right and wrong.

Ethan Hawke delivers a commendable performance as James Sandin, the well-intentioned but misguided patriarch whose wealth and privilege leave him woefully unprepared for the reality of the purge. Hawke’s portrayal resonates with sincerity, embodying both the fear and desperation that arise when his family’s safety is jeopardised. Lena Headey, known for her role in "Game of Thrones," portrays Mary Sandin as a protective mother torn between care for her family and the ethical implications of their situation. Her raw and emotional performance adds depth to the film, making Mary’s dilemmas relatable and poignant.

Max Burkholder shines as Charlie, the son whose compassion ultimately ignites the conflict that ensues. His character’s moral awareness stands in stark contrast to the brutal world they inhabit. The gradual evolution of Charlie’s character, from a naive young boy to a figure who must make life-and-death choices, is a compelling aspect of the film. In a world where ethical absolutes are questioned, Charlie emerges as a beacon of empathy amidst chaos, raising compelling questions about duty and humanity during trying times.

Adelaide Kane’s portrayal of Zoe, the teenage daughter, adds another layer to the narrative. She represents the youthful disconnect from the purge culture while grappling with her inner turmoil as the events unfold. Her character’s transformation emphasises the psychological impact of such a morally challenging society on the younger generation.

The film’s secondary characters, including the enigmatic Polite Leader (Ralph Ineson), bring a sinister edge to the narrative. Ineson’s calm yet menacing demeanor encapsulates the chilling nature of the purge and emphasises the film’s underlying message about the desensitisation that can occur within societal structures.

Visually, "The Purge" is both striking and disquieting. The contrast between the affluent Sandin household and the chaos outside its walls highlights the socio-economic disparities that the film subtly critiques. When purgers invade their home, the cinematography’s claustrophobic framing amplifies the tension, encompassing both the internal strife and external danger that the characters face. The viewer is consistently reminded of the arbitrary nature of safety, as the family’s sanctuary becomes a site of terror.

The film is not without its flaws; the third act deviates into familiar horror movie tropes, sacrificing some of the philosophical exploration for momentary shocks and intense action. The pacing occasionally falters, particularly towards the climax, as the film leans into the genre’s conventions rather than sustaining the potent commentary established earlier.

Nonetheless, "The Purge" is a thought-provoking film that raises significant ethical questions about violence, guilt, and societal complicity. It invites the audience to consider the stakes of inaction and the consequences of an apathetic society. The film’s chilling tagline, "The Purge: 12 hours of crime," serves as both a warning and a critique of modern society’s tendencies to ignore the underlying socio-political fractures that might lead to such violent outcomes.

In conclusion, "The Purge" excels in its capacity to blend horror with a narrative that critiques societal values and examines the thin line between civility and savagery. Its engaging performances, particularly by Ethan Hawke and Lena Headey, coupled with an unsettling premise, create a gripping experience that lingers long after viewing. While it has its shortcomings, the film’s commentary on human nature and morality stands strong.

Score: 7.5/10

Standing as both a horror film and a sobering societal critique, "The Purge" successfully captures the imaginations of its audience while provoking deeper reflections on the world we inhabit.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button