The Purge: Anarchy

| 2014

Directed by: James DeMonaco

Movie poster for The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

Main Plot

In The Purge: Anarchy, the story unfolds in a dystopian future where the government allows an annual event known as the Purge, during which all crime, including murder, is legal for twelve hours. The film follows several characters whose paths intersect during this chaotic night. A couple, trying to survive the Purge, finds themselves stranded on the streets and must navigate the violent landscape. Meanwhile, a lone man seeks revenge for a personal loss, and a mother and daughter are forced to flee from a gang of ruthless purgers. As the night progresses, the characters face increasingly dangerous situations, forcing them to confront their own morals and survival instincts. The film explores themes of societal breakdown, class struggle, and the consequences of unchecked violence, all set against the backdrop of a night where all hell breaks loose.

Characters

  • Frank Grillo plays Sergeant Leo Barnes, a vengeful man seeking justice for his son's death, who becomes a protector for strangers during a night of lawlessness.
  • Carmen Ejogo plays Eva Sanchez, a waitress and single mother who fights for survival with her daughter during a night of government-sanctioned lawlessness.
  • Zach Gilford plays Shane, a man trying to survive the annual purge with his wife, Liz. They encounter various dangers while seeking safety.

Ending Explained

In The Purge: Anarchy, the film culminates in a tense showdown during the annual Purge night, where all crime, including murder, is legal for twelve hours. The main characters, who have been navigating the chaos and violence of the night, converge at a pivotal moment. After a series of harrowing encounters with both the violent purgers and the corrupt government officials, the group finds themselves at a wealthy family's estate, where the elite are hosting a Purge party. The climax occurs when the protagonists confront the moral implications of survival versus sacrifice. One character makes a selfless choice to save others, ultimately sacrificing themselves to ensure the remaining survivors can escape. This act of bravery highlights the film's central theme of humanity amidst brutality. As dawn approaches, the survivors manage to escape the estate, but not without the haunting realization of the violence they witnessed and the loss they endured. The ending reinforces the film's critique of societal inequality and the moral decay that the Purge represents. The final scenes suggest a glimmer of hope for the survivors, but also leave the audience questioning the future of a society that allows such brutality to occur annually.

James DeMonaco Action Horror Sci-Fi Frank Grillo Carmen Ejogo Zach Gilford