The First Purge

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Bryan Keegan 01/10/2025 I didn’t see this movie See more Ashequl I @Tofa13 Aug 18 The First Purge (2018) attempts to explore the origins of the annual night of lawlessness, but in doing so, it pivots away from the terrifying horror rooted in the earlier films. Confining the initial experiment to Staten Island, the narrative shifts genre entirely into a full-throttle urban action movie. Y'lan Noel turns in a charisma-filled, physical performance as a local crime boss who essentially becomes an unstoppable action hero fighting off government mercenaries. While the gunplay, tactical fights, and fast pacing make for a solid action experience, the lack of genuine horror, tension, and psychological dread makes it feel detached from the rest of the series. It stands as an entertaining action flick, but a disappointing prequel for die-hard horror fans. See more Chris S @Janomi Aug 10 The First Purge has a good idea in showing how the experiment began. The origin-story angle gives the franchise a chance to explain the roots of the system, and the Staten Island setting makes the first Purge feel like a social experiment being forced onto one community. The political commentary fits the series, especially in how it deals with race, poverty, government corruption, and engineered violence. The ideas are valid, even if the dialogue and plotting often spell them out too directly. Y’lan Noel gives the movie its strongest presence as Dmitri. He brings physical confidence and intensity, especially in the final stretch, where the film works best as a direct action-survival movie. Lex Scott Davis also gives the story needed urgency as Nya. The First Purge has a strong concept, but the execution is blunt, uneven, and not as tense as it should be. See more Dim Dim T @RT09697466 Jun 10 Great movie, anyone giving low rating are people who doesn’t understand reality and slightly racist period See more Blake- N @PBSAniDom Apr 19 The First Purge tries to expand the franchise by showing how it all began, but it ends up feeling more forgettable than impactful. The concept of exploring the origins should have added depth, yet the film mostly sticks to familiar beats without offering much that’s new. There are a few engaging moments, and the setting has some potential, but the characters aren’t developed enough to leave a lasting impression. The film leans more on action than tension, which takes away from the unsettling tone that made earlier entries stand out. It’s not bad, just very average and easy to forget once it’s over. A 5/10 feels about right. See more Shawan L @ShawanLLibang Mar 4 The First Purge feels like it showed up to the franchise with vibes only. It swings for "gritty origin story" and lands squarely on "straight‑to‑DVD chaos," with villains who look like they got lost on the way to a different movie and social commentary that tries so hard it pulls a muscle. It’s loud, empty, and somehow still forgettable. See more Read all reviews

The First Purge

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