The First Purge

The First Purge is a 2018 American dystopian action horror film directed by Gerard McMurray and starring Y'lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis, Joivan Wade, and Steve Harris. Written and co-executive produced by James DeMonaco, it is the first film of The Purge series not to be directed by him. It is the fourth installment in the Purge franchise. The film is a prequel depicting the origins of the annual "Purge", a 12-hour span once a year in which all crime in America, including murder, rape and arson, is legal; it originates as an experiment confined to Staten Island with the promise that those who stay on the island for its duration will be paid a large sum of money, but a new political party, the New Founding Fathers, is determined to get the results they want by any means necessary. The First Purge was released on July 4, 2018, by Universal Pictures. It has grossed over $137 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing entry in the franchise, but received mixed reviews from critics like its predecessors. The fifth installment, The Forever Purge, was released on July 2, 2021. Plot In 2014, rising unemployment, lack of jobs, rising inflation, and a housing crisis led to the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) as the most powerful political party in the United States. Meanwhile, crazed drug addict Skeletor discusses his dark thoughts, including his desire to "purge" and unleash his hatred of others with an NFFA employee. Two years later, in 2016, NFFA chief of staff Arlo Sabian and sociologist Dr. May Updale announced an experiment to take place on Staten Island where, for 12 hours, citizens will be allowed to purge and release their inhibitions in any way they choose, including murder. The NFFA offers residents $5,000 to stay during the experiment, with additional compensation if they join the purge and survive. They also outfit the participants with contact lens cameras to monitor all activity and put tracking devices in them so they will know if they try to leave the island.