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The First Purge
2018 97 min United States of America R 18+
★5.5
Action, Horror, Thriller
Director: Gerard McMurray
Trailers
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Teaser
Teaser
Teaser
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Description
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.
Budget:
$13M
US Gross:
$69.49M
Worldwide:
$137.06M
Starring
Y'lan Noel
Actor
Lex Scott Davis
Actor
Joivan Wade
Actor
Awards
1 nomination total
Key opinion
The First Purge serves as a polarizing entry in the franchise, praised by some for its relevant socio-political commentary and vibrant aesthetic, while dismissed by others as a lackluster, stereotypical, and shallow prequel. Critics and audiences are largely divided on whether its focus on race and class adds meaningful depth or relies on offensive clichés and heavy-handed propaganda.
| Cinematography | Cinematography and visual style provide a striking, dynamic, and polished look that elevates the film's overall production quality | |
| Acting | The film features a central performance by Y'lan Noel (Dmitry) that many find charismatic and compelling enough to anchor the narrative | |
| Originality | The prequel fails to provide necessary world-building, lacking a coherent economic or political rationale for the origin of the Purge | |
| Theme | The film's exploration of race and class politics is deeply divisive; supporters appreciate its direct engagement with systemic issues, while detractors find it to be heavy-handed, stereotypical, or propagandistic | |
| Pacing | Opinions on the pacing are split, as some viewers find the slow, contemplative start boring and tedious, while others feel the eventual transition to anarchic action provides a rewarding payoff |