Review of The Purge: Anarchy (2014)

The Purge: Anarchy (2014) is the sequel to the original 2013 movie The Purge, directed by James DeMonaco. I was particularly fond of the first movie which was generally considered a ‘home invasion’ horror movie. Admittedly, upon watching The Purge: Anarchy, I had expected this too to be of the horror genre like the first. I was pleasantly surprised. This movie is a brilliant sequel that addresses some major issues or theories linked with the basic plot of the original movie. It is not too similar to the first movie and addresses the complete opposite side of The Purge ideal. For instance, the first movie presented an attack on a wealthy family which then led to a conflict between two sides. However, The Purge: Anarchy showed what it was like for the poor, who couldn’t protect themselves; those who were locked out and couldn't get to safety in time; and finally it presented those who took part in The Purge. These are all issues that were ignored in the first movie, and it was refreshing to see a movie address audience questions and concerns.

In addition, The Purge: Anarchy is a brilliant sequel as it does not reference the plot of the first movie at all. It is not at all necessary to watch the first Purge movie before watching this one as the basic context is still provided in this movie, allowing the plot to be easily followed without having the context of the previous movie.

Generally though, as a stand alone film, The Purge: Anarchy is brilliant. The characterisation is incredible and consistent allowing viewers to sympathise fairly quickly with the main protagonists. In addition, these characters were also complex and realistic, unlike most horror/thriller type films that often express one-dimensional characters with specific character traits.

Also, the plot was fantastic. There were some scenes that were almost unnecessary and didn’t particularly add much to the overall story line, however they were brilliant and well thought-out additions that complimented the general plot brilliantly. It is clear from the overall plot and the minor scenes within this movie that The Purge: Anarchy is incredibly well written and has clearly had a considerable amount of thought put into it.

Overall, The Purge: Anarchy was incredible in pretty much every way a sequel can be in my opinion. The plot was great and complimented the first Purge movie wonderfully, and the characters were written in brilliantly, making a great, well written movie that viewers are able to sympathise with regardless of their political or social stance.

#2014 #Horror