The Purge: Anarchy

The Purge: Anarchy is a riveting sequel to the original Purge movie that debuted in 2013. Released in 2014, this action-packed horror-thriller film keeps you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end with a tantalizing blend of intense thrills, unexpected scares, and heart-pounding suspense.

Set in the very near future, the film revolves around a dystopian version of the United States governed by 'The New Founding Fathers of America'. This government body has managed to keep societal order intact through a unique, brutal method: an annual event known as 'The Purge'. This misnamed 'holiday' allows all crimes, including murder, to be legal for 12 hours once every year. The Purge, as it's revealed, is also a system that conveniently helps to eradicate the poor and the weak, essentially those who can't protect themselves.

As the night of The Purge commences, the movie opens up to five people who for various reasons find themselves stranded outside during the horrific event where all sorts of havoc reign supreme. A perfect blend of diverse personalities, grapples with their own struggles and tries to survive this night of desolation.

Frank Grillo, our lead man, plays the character of 'Sergeant'. He takes on the role of a vengeful father intent on utilizing The Purge to his advantage to avenge his son's death. Parallel to him, we have the duo of Shane(RTRT) and Liz(ZTRT), portrayed by Zach Gilford and Kiele Sanchez, a couple whose only plan was to leave town before The Purge only to find themselves stuck amidst the chaos. Lastly, we have a mother-daughter duo, Carmen Ejogo as Eva and Zoë Soul as her daughter Cali, who unwillingly get pulled into the chaos after losing the safety of their home due to unforeseen circumstances.

A chance encounter unites these diverse characters, and their thrills of survival shape the crux of the movie. It's an interplay of pursuit and escape, kill or get killed, causing increased interactions between the protagonists and those indulging mindlessly in The Purge. The movie impressively presents the concept of human nature and societal class, showcasing various shades of human emotions - fear, determination, playfulness, hate, indifference, and everything in-between.

Directed by James DeMonaco, the movie doesn't shy away from brutal, violent sequences that are skillfully used to provide a deep, spine-chilling understanding of this vicious event. DeMonaco wishes to provide an insight into how the foundations of morality crumbles when the shackles of law and order are released, even for a small period, and allows the audience to ponder over how thin the veneer of civilization can be.

Frank Grillo’s character, Sergeant, steals the show with his gruff exterior and pragmatic approach to the chaos around him. His mission may be solitary, but as he is drawn into the lives of the rest of the characters, a beacon of humanity shines through him, albeit overshadowed with doom and gloom. Carmen Ejogo, Zach Gilford, and Zoë Soul distinctly contribute to the fabric of the narrative. There is an evident transformation in their characters as the story unfolds, casting the idiosyncrasies of human survival in different lights.

Despite being soaked in unrestrained violence and savagery, this film is not devoid of emotion. The storyline underlines the immense fear and desperation that the characters endure, instilling empathy for them in the hearts of the viewers. There is an underlying commentary on societal disparity and the concept of survival of the fittest, painted across the events of the narrative.

The Purge: Anarchy, beyond being an entertainer, is also a social critique masqueraded in a dystopian shroud. With the combustive mix of exhilarating action, bone-chilling horror, and nerve-racking suspense, the movie also serves as an exploration in human psychology during extreme circumstances. The sequel lives up to the sinister premise of the original movie and delivers a highly watchable sequel, aptly contributing to the growing lore of ‘The Purge’. The twists and turns of the narrative will keep you engaged throughout. If you have a palette for action and horror stitched together with strong acting performances and a well-knit plot, The Purge: Anarchy is a movie worth your time.