Review of The Purge: Anarchy (2014) by Foxgrove — 05 Aug 2014

After the housebound claustrophobia of the first instalment this second film takes the terror into the wider arena of the streets. At its core this is a morally reprehensible and despicable premise pandering to the baser instincts of human nature, which we can only hope remains a filmic fantasy. As a movie, fans of the horror and thriller genres will be in their element. Directed with cold efficiency, atmospherically photographed and grippingly edited the film makes many social political statements along the way. Surprisingly the story strands come together fairly well and generally make for credible viewing. However, a scene in which the protagonists take sanctuary in a house of a friend strikes a definite false note and is risible in its ridiculousness.

The gulf between rich and poor is a prominent theme as is the corruption of governments and politicians. Also, one sequence takes us directly into 'Hostel' territory. There are a couple of jumpy moments along the way and if the film ever so slightly out stays its welcome it still has a satisfying ending of suitably ironic redemption.