The First Purge

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2:31

The First Purge

R

Released Jul 4, 2018

1h 37m

Action

Mystery & Thriller

Horror

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

55%

Tomatometer

175 Reviews

27%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America try a radical sociological experiment that allows citizens to vent their aggression for one night in an isolated community. The idea soon explodes across the nation when the violence of the oppressors meets the rage of the marginalized.

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Critics Consensus

The First Purge should satisfy fans of the franchise and filmgoers in the mood for violent vicarious thrills, even if its subtextual reach exceeds its grasp.

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J. R. Jones

Chicago Reader

Unfortunately the characters are so poorly written that the political provocations hang in the air like birthday balloons.

Mar 4, 2020

Full Review

Mark Kermode

Kermode & Mayo's Film Review

It's efficiently done. It's quite grueling. And what I like about it is that central idea... It's solid.

Aug 28, 2018

Full Review

Simran Hans

Observer (UK)

The Purge films are B-movies, and so this ultraviolence mostly works, though its social commentary is served a little too rare to stomach easily.

Rated: 3/5

Jul 7, 2018

Full Review

Mike Massie

Gone With The Twins

The entertainment value is about the same as before, failing to change up the formula to a worthwhile degree – even if the finale (disappointingly doused in CG blood effects and largely repetitive) is appropriately action-packed and bloodthirsty.

Rated: 3/10

Nov 8, 2024

Full Review

Rolando Gallego

EscribiendoCine

Although it is fiction, its disturbing resemblance to reality makes this installment a minor entry within the saga, although it still maintains its validity as social criticism. [Full review in Spanish]

Rated: 6/10

Sep 11, 2024

Full Review

Aaron Charles

InSession Film

It is a confused movie for a confusing time.

Rated: C

May 9, 2024

Full Review

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Korra N

Taking a more racially-charged approach to the franchise formula, The First Purge has some awesome bone-crunching action and a couple great performances in a decently directed film with a mediocre script.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/28/24

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Wendel L

Direção: Ok Atuação: Ok Roteiro: Ok Caracterização: Ok Soundtrack: Ok

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

11/08/24

Full Review

Fake N

I don't understand why they felt the need for multiple story's to be told. They should of only told either Isaya's story or Demetrius's story. You can tell they forgot parts of Isaya's story when writing it because they forgot about Skelitor until the end when they thought oh yeah we should probably end his story now. I feel like a story about a drug ring during the purge could of been really cool. I don't know why they decided to make a drug ring leader able to defeat an entire army basically single handedly without at least having his back story being ex military. Even if that was the case it would still be very unlikely that he would of been able to defeat an army on his own. The Isaya story could of been fun as well if they focused on Skelitor being this crazed killer murdering everyone and trying to kill Isaya. But we only got that for the first 10-15 minuets of the purge starting.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

10/25/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Quite disappointing and forgettable for such an interesting concept. Everything about the movie seemed quite lazy and basic. Certainly wouldn't recommend to anybody; don't waste your money or your time.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

10/24/24

Full Review

Andrew P

The First Purge is a serviceable prequel, but ultimately it's forgettable.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

10/18/24

Full Review

Koko melon P

Eh they couldnt done better but they failed so but a shame They tried their best and i personally believe that is what counts so they should be proud of themselves at least they had fun, i hope

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/26/24

Full Review

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Gerard McMurray

Director

Y'lan Noel

Dmitri

Lex Scott Davis

Nya

Joivan Wade

Isaiah

Mugga

Dolores

Patch Darragh

Chief of Staff -- Arlo Sabian

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Synopsis

To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America try a radical sociological experiment that allows citizens to vent their aggression for one night in an isolated community. The idea soon explodes across the nation when the violence of the oppressors meets the rage of the marginalized.

Director: Gerard McMurray
Producer: Jason Blum, Michael Bay, Andrew Form, Brad Fuller, Sebastien K. Lemercier
Screenwriter: James DeMonaco
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Blumhouse Productions, Platinum Dunes, Perfect World Pictures
Rating: R (Pervasive Language|Drug Use|Some Sexuality|Strong Disturbing Violence)
Genre: Action, Mystery & Thriller, Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 4, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 18, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $68.9M
Runtime: 1h 37m
Sound Mix: Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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