What if the government gave you 12 hours to commit any crime with zero consequences? That's the wild premise behind The Purge franchise, and its 2018 prequel, The First Purge, is about to make its streaming debut on HBO Max this November. If you've been waiting to see how the chaos began, this is your chance.
The movie, directed by Gerard McMurray, takes us back to the very first Purge, when the New Founding Fathers of America decide to test their radical social experiment on Staten Island. The idea is to let citizens release their pent-up aggression in a 12-hour window of lawlessness, supposedly to reduce crime and strengthen society. But as you can imagine, things spiral out of control fast.
Set against a backdrop of protests and media frenzy, the film follows a group of residents who are paid to stay in their homes while others are encouraged to participate. But when the violence escalates from vandalism to looting to murder, the experiment turns into a nightmare. The carnival-like atmosphere of Halloween quickly morphs into a terrifying free-for-all, and survival becomes the only goal.
The cast is led by Y'lan Noel (from Insecure) as Dmitri, a local drug dealer who becomes an unlikely hero, and Lex Scott Davis as Nya, a community activist. Joivan Wade, Marisa Tomei, Luna Lauren Vélez, Christian Robinson, and Rotimi Paul round out the ensemble, each bringing depth to their roles as they navigate the chaos.
Despite mixed reviews from critics—it holds a 56% score on Rotten Tomatoes—the film was a box office success. With a production budget of just $13 million, it grossed over $137 million worldwide, proving that audiences can't get enough of the Purge's twisted premise. It's a must-watch for fans of the franchise and a great entry point for newcomers.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, you might also enjoy this unsettling Netflix series or this supernatural thriller. And for those who love horror, Mike Flanagan's Midnight Mass is a must-see.
So mark your calendars: The First Purge arrives on HBO Max after Halloween, just in time for a spooky binge. Whether you're a completionist or just curious about the origins of the Purge, this prequel is sure to deliver the thrills and chills you're looking for.
