Synopsis
To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the others, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.
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Cast
- Y'lan NoelDmitri Cimber
- Lex Scott DavisNya Charms
- Joivan WadeIsaiah Charms
- Steve HarrisFreddy
- MuggaDolores
- Patch DarraghArlo Sabian / Chief of Staff
- Marisa TomeiDr. May Updale / Architect
- Luna Lauren VelezLuisa
- Kristen SolisSelina
- Rotimi PaulSkeletor
Recommendations
- 81
TheWrap
The First Purge completely earns its action-packed and rousing finale, but getting there certainly takes a while. - 75
IndieWire
The First Purge is another absurd B-movie, uneven and ludicrous across the board, but altogether transfixing for the way it funnels Trump-era terror into an empowering crowdpleaser. - 75
Consequence
The First Purge is every bit as nakedly, hysterically symbolic as its predecessors. But if there’s one thing that the current political climate is teaching us, it’s that a subtle touch isn’t always the solution. - 63
Movie Nation
The most politically potent sci-fi/horror film series since the early years of George A. Romero gets a bloody, visceral and yes, emotional prequel with The First Purge, the movie that tells how we got from “here” to “there.” - 63
ReelViews
Boiling off the divisive political subtext and its associated sociological aspects, what we’re left with is an old-fashioned exploitation thriller. Seen in that context, The First Purge isn’t half-bad. It’s competently made, delivers its share of thrills and edge-of-the-seat moments, and gives the audience an opportunity to stand up and cheer. - 50
Variety
The First Purge is a slipshod B-movie comic book rooted in gangbanger clichés. It’s a threadbare “Boyz N the Hood” meets “Lord of the Flies.” - 50
Vox
It knows what year it’s coming out — on July 4, no less — and it’s slamming on every hot button it can find. That might be cathartic. It might also be turning pain into entertainment. With The First Purge, your mileage may vary. - 45
Film Journal International
The film does mix up the formula in some ways. Unfortunately, these changes are by and large for the worse. It edges away from horror and more towards action, favoring shootouts to scares. The latter are in short supply.
