The First Purge *** /
*****
Directed by: Gerard McMurray.
Written by: James DeMonaco.
Starring: Y'lan Noel (Dmitri), Lex
Scott Davis (Nya), Joivan Wade (Isaiah), Mugga (Dolores), Patch Darragh (Arlo
Sabian), Marisa Tomei (Dr. May Updale), Luna Lauren Velez (Luisa), Kristen Solis (Selina), Rotimi Paul
(Skeletor), Mo McRae (7 & 7), Jermel Howard (Lorenzo), Siya (Blaise), Christian
Robinson (Capital A), Steve Harris (Freddy), Derek Basco (Taz), D.K. Bowser
(Sharpie), Mitchell Edwards (Kels), Maria Rivera (Anna), Chyna Layne (Elsa),
Ian Blackman (President Bracken).
There has never been anything
subtle about The Purge movies – which are genre movies with a political message
it doesn’t even try to disguise. The first film was basically a white panic
story – where the rich white family, who has profited off of violence and fear,
gradually realize that there privilege will not protect them. The films have
grown increasingly blunt from there as they have expanded their point of view
(the first was essentially a home invasion film – the rest have taken place
throughout a city). The films know that if a premise as outlandish as The Purge
was actually put in place, it would be the poor and the minorities that would
most be targeted – and suffer. The rich get richer, the rest pay the price.
This is the first purge movie made in the Trump era – and make no mistake, the
filmmakers no it.
The movie is a prequel, flashing
back to the rise of the New Founding Fathers of America, a political party that
grew out of dissatisfaction with Democrats and Republicans (something that
seems increasingly plausible). Their new idea – of 12 hours with no laws – will
be tested this night, in Staten Island only. Anyone who stays will get $5,000 –
and if they participate, they’ll get even more. This is all the brainchild of
Dr. May Updale (Marisa Tomei) – who thinks this will be healthy. The NFFA want
to use it as a way to thin the herd.
Basically the film concentrates
on Dmitri (Y’lan Noel), the local drug kingpin and his ex-girlfriend Nya (Lex
Scott Davis), a local activist. They both grew up in the poverty of Staten
Island, but have taken increasingly divergent paths. When the night starts, all
Dmitri wants to do is lock down his crew, survive the night with his money,
stash and territory intact. Nya wants to help protect those staying – including
her younger brother, Isaiah (Joivan Wade). Both will see their best laid plans
go awry – and Dmitri will eventually rediscover his humanity – and how much he
cares about this community.
Like the other three Purge
movies, The First Purge is effective mostly as a blunt instrument used to beat
you over the head. There is nothing subtle about the film, or its politics – it
rubs your face in them pretty much from the start. The film does have a little
more exposition than the other films off the top, and takes a while to really
get going. There are some scares early on Purge night – mostly involving Isaiah
as he wanders the streets (and a crack house) with glowing eyes. The last third
is much more of an action movie than a horror movie however – and a skillfully
done one for the most part.
