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Our take
The Purge keeps a family trapped at home while masked killers wait outside. Once the siege begins, the gunfire, stabbings and danger to the children come close and often. It is the fear of murder in a family home that stays with us. We would wait until 16.
Uplifting themes
A family sticks together and one character chooses mercy over revenge. The overall view of wealth and violence is bleak, so the lesson needs a parent to unpack it A father and mother work hard to protect their children, but their own choices are questionable. Most of the other characters are ruthless and cruel A dark satire about class and violence. Older teens could use it to discuss inequality and who the Purge really protects, but it plays mostly as a thriller
Story (may spoil tone)
Given the country's overcrowded prisons, the U.S. government begins to allow 12-hour periods of time in which all illegal activity is legal. During one of these free-for-alls, a family must protect themselves from a home invasion.
Details
Violence Masked gangs stalk the house, and attackers fire guns, swing axes, and…
Masked gangs stalk the house, and attackers fire guns, swing axes, and stab on screen. The family fights back with shots and traps. The killing is frequent once the siege starts
Language The f-word comes up several times, especially when a father shouts to p…
The f-word comes up several times, especially when a father shouts to protect his kids, along with the s-word and hell. Strong words arrive in clusters during the siege and ease off in quiet scenes
Frightening A siren starts the night, and masked killers wait at the door. A long s…
A siren starts the night, and masked killers wait at the door. A long siege, sudden jump scares, and a ticking countdown keep tension high. The scares will rattle many teens
Child peril / abuse A teen girl and a young boy are hunted inside their own home, and one c…
A teen girl and a young boy are hunted inside their own home, and one child is threatened at gunpoint. The danger to them drives much of the film, and the fear is real
Bullying / discrimination Wealthy neighbours resent the family, and a gang hunts a homeless man a…
Wealthy neighbours resent the family, and a gang hunts a homeless man as a target. Class divides and cruelty toward the poor are a main theme
Gore / death / weapons Gunshots and stab wounds leave bloody bodies, and one man is stabbed an…
Gunshots and stab wounds leave bloody bodies, and one man is stabbed and left bleeding. Dead people lie on the floor and lawn, and guns are close up in many shots
Dangerous behaviour Guns are loaded and used inside a family home, and a teen sneaks a boyf…
Guns are loaded and used inside a family home, and a teen sneaks a boyfriend in during the lockdown. Neither is shown as a model to copy, but both are on screen
Grief / bereavement Characters lose family and neighbours over the night, and a few moments…
Characters lose family and neighbours over the night, and a few moments of crying and shock follow. The sadness is brief and the plot quickly moves on
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- The family is wealthy and the film suggests the night is not fair to everyone. Who benefits from the Purge and who gets hurt?
- The father's choices change during the night. What would you have done in his place?
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The Purge
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