The annual Purge is on year three and more people are participating than ever. As the entire nation prepares for the one night a year where crime is legal (including murder), families begin clinging to their loved ones and preparing their new security systems. One family in particular, the Sandins, find themselves in an unusual situation, even for the night of the Purge, when they are introduced to a bloody stranger (Edwin Hodge). Their anticipatedly simple night of isolation is turned upside down and their participation in the devastating event is now inevitable.
Approximately two years prior to the release of this film Lena Heady was cast as Cersei, in the ever popular HBO series Game of Thrones. Her character is well known for being ruthless and willing to make the most despicable of decisions. Though her character in this film (Mary Sandin) does not embody the same traits as her egotistical and cruel character from GoT, having her present in the film provided a sense of eeriness and discomfort. Just her presence was enough to make audiences uneasy and keep them on edge throughout the film. It cannot be said for certain whether or not Lisa Fields and John Barba made this decision consciously when casting Heady, but, ultimately, this casting was wonderful.
Considering the demographic depicted within the film, Ethan Hawke (James Sandin) was the perfect choice to lead the film. His oddly creepy demeanor and impeccable talent allowed him the ability to play both loving and loyal father and badass, Rambo-esque hero. To beautifully round out the cast, Fields and Barba chose Rhys Wakefield to play the dementedly polite leader of the purges tormenting the Sandins. His expressive and ironically charming face made him the perfect villain and the perfect person to torment the Sandins throughout the film.
The creepy, cartoon-like masks that the antagonists wore throughout the film were, quite possibly, the best decision made by writer and director James Demonaco made. More than just freaking out viewers, they depicted the tone of the film and the mood of the purgers. While there are clear reservations about the horrific actions taking place on the night in question, the citizens taking part in the event have demented personalities and truly fractured psyches. The masks represent the harsh reality of the night and the incredibly twisted minds of those partaking in typically illegal activity.
The appeal of this franchise, beyond the action and the horror, is the psychological aspect. As this was the first installment of the Purge franchise, Demonaco introduced audiences to this psychologically trying story of horror and adventure that effectively set up multiple sequels and a television show.
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