Why the Biggest Hit in the Purge Franchise Took it Back to the Beginning

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James DeMonaco’s The Purge franchise stands out by creating a fictional universe that is close enough to our own reality to keep us engaged, but with enough difference that it allows for powerful social commentary and graphic violence.

From its debut in 2013, “The Purge” series has consistently highlighted deep-rooted American concerns of security post-9/11, class distinctions, wealth gaps, and the seemingly cold indifference of a system that prioritizes numbers over individuals. This theme is particularly evident in the fourth installment of the franchise, “The First Purge,” released in 2018.

As a dedicated gamer, I can confidently say that this prequel lived up to its title and then some! Penned by DeMonaco and expertly directed by Gerard McMurray, it skyrocketed to the top of the franchise’s earnings chart. The secret behind its success? A perfect blend of timing and an uncanny knack for tapping into the core elements that make this series so captivating… in a downright chilling manner!

More on The Purge franchise

Ranking Each Installment of ‘The Purge’ So Far, Including ‘The Purge 6’: A Comprehensive Guide

Why ‘The Purge’ Almost Never Happened: An Overview of the Franchise’s Development, Focusing on ‘The Purge 6’

Both versions maintain the original’s structure and meaning but aim for a more natural and easy-to-read style.

The success of The First Purge

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When “The Purge” premiered in cinemas, it plunged viewers straight into a society where the annual event depicted in the title was already a familiar part of daily American life in DeMonaco’s alternate America. The 12-hour timeframe during which all crimes, even murder, were made legal and acceptable was not just known by each character, but they reacted to it uniquely, and their acceptance of it as a norm added an intriguing layer to the movie.

In 2014, The First Purge takes the series in a new direction, following the narrative line after the New Founding Fathers party gains control in America. The story unfolds post their takeover, where the authorities announce an experimental Purge event on Staten Island, New York, as part of a larger crime-reduction strategy for the country. Residents are given financial incentives to remain on the island during the night, with extra money offered for active participation and survival. Moreover, everyone is equipped with special contact lens cameras to record events for scientists like Dr. May Updale (portrayed by Marisa Tomei) and government officials observing from a control room.

If you’ve been following the “Purge” movies, this film offers intriguing background information. You get to understand how the concept was developed, where it derived its name, and the factors that contributed to its creation. This makes the movie appealing to long-term fans, but it’s also essential to note when the film was released. It came out on July 4, 2018, during a period of significant political unrest in the U.S., with heated midterm elections. Given this context, it’s worth considering that the audience might have been eager for a horror movie like this at that particular moment. The film’s box office success supports this idea.

Apart from the initial draw that brought audiences to the theater, “The First Purge” offers an additional layer. It certainly provides a backstory for enthusiasts, but it also explores the sinister aspects behind the in-world Purge, portraying it not as a benevolent release for emotional purging, but as a governmental scheme to punish and suppress the marginalized, including the poor, weak, and voiceless from the very beginning. The gradual unfolding of this revelation throughout the movie, coupled with the characters’ reactions, forms the backbone of the storyline, adding an even more ominous and disturbing tone to the franchise as a whole. This is what sets “The First Purge” apart in a popular series, and why it has become the most successful adaptation of this narrative yet.

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2025-07-24 22:31