The Purge: Could you afford to stay alive?

Addy Blocksidge gave an account on the movie ‘The Purge!’

‘‘Does this film depict a far off abstract notion, or a reality that is closer than we think?’’

Released in 2013 and directed by James DeMonaco, The Purge is a futuristic horror film that gives a whole new meaning to “land of the free and home of the brave”. After periods of war, poverty and economic collapse, the USA presents itself as a nation reborn. Unemployment and crime rates have never been lower. “Violence barely exists, with one exception”. In an attempt to release societal aggression, all crime, including murder, is made legal for one night each year. Amidst the mayhem, a wealthy family find themselves under threat from a group of sinister anarchists during the annual purge.

We open with James on his way home from work just hours before the annual purge is set to commence. Despite the horrors that lie ahead, James is remarkably chipper, excited by the notion that his sales skills have guaranteed him a substantial ‘boat buying’ bonus. What is James selling I hear you ask…. well, state of the art home security systems of course! Undeterred by the oncoming circumstances or any faltering family dynamics, James delights in telling the family his news and proceeds to lock the house down. Whilst doing so he assures his children that although bad things will happen tonight, “we can afford protection, so we’ll be fine”. Daughter Zoey is  distracted by teenage lust for the majority  of the first act. However, her brother Charlie acts as a moral compass, questioning the ethics of what is at play and challenging his father’s views. Despite James’ best efforts to stifle his son’s compassion, Charlie concedes to his conscience and allows a desperate man in from the street. While the rescue is a success, it does alert a disturbed gang to the Sandin residence. The desperate man is their target, and they insist upon their right to purge.

Strip away the bloody action sequences and freaky face masks and we have a social situation that has multiple similarities with reality. Crime, poverty and unemployment are very real issues that governments are constantly attempting to appease. Here, one night of anarchy is said to offer catharsis. Psychological stability is achieved if we recognise the human species as inherently violent. “The denial of our true selves is the problem”. As the film's criminologist questions, are these measures about releasing aggression or rather the elimination of those unable to defend themselves, relieving the economy of the poor and needy…. eugenics with no repercussions. Not to mention the heavily suggested financial motivations involved.

The purge leader refers to his target as “nothing but a dirty homeless pig, a grotesque menace to our just society who had the audacity to fight back”. In contrast, he refers to himself as a fine, young, well educated man. The tactics deployed in this film are extreme and ethically dubious to say the least. However, the parallels with real life stereotypes, marginalisation and neoliberalist ideology are clear to see. Whilst serving as a thrilling instalment for your Halloween movie marathon, this film magnifies the disadvantage and inequality that is evident in society. When questioned about his decision to save the man, Charlie simply says “he called for help, no-one was helping him”. After experiencing a few hours on the less favourable side of chaos, even James begins to reflect his son’s empathetic nature. 

We might argue that compassion and empathy are far more inherent within the human psyche than violence and aggression. We might even argue that this is what makes us human. However, there is no doubt that the history of our species is inconsistent in this regard. Does this film depict a far off abstract notion, or a reality that is closer than we think? What we know for sure, mainly from past experience, is that an approach characterised by dehumanisation and disrespect for human life, is not the way to move forward

By Addy Blocksidge (Culture editor)

Edited By Keicha Wall (Content Editor)