The First Purge drops viewers into the commencement of the New Founding Fathers of America’s deadly annual crime spree – but when exactly does it take place?
We know why people believe in the Purge. It’s in the name: by unleashing people’s worst behavior and impulses in a condensed, (un)controlled period, the NFFA claims to have vastly reduced crime and unemployment. But when did it all begin?
When does The First Purge take place?
In the movie’s post-credits scene, the NFFA’s chief of staff tells the press that turnout was bigger than they even expected. “Staten Island and its citizens have proven that this experiment was necessary. We will, of course, study the results, but I’ve received word from President Bracken that we’re considering a nationwide Purge… as early as next year, one where every US citizen can participate,” he says.
“Fear would seem to be the motivating factor – as it has in history – for any citizenry to accept such a nefarious solution. And the selling of fear was so integral to the Trump campaign that it seemed to coincide with the NFFA and how they use fear to sell the Purge to America. So, ultimately, I liked the parallels to what was happening today in our country.
“Without giving too much away, what we learn in the First Purge is that America (specifically Staten Islanders who are representing America in this film – as they are part of this initial ‘experiment’), don’t actually embrace the Purge. There is monetary incentive to participate in this scientific experiment as it’s called – hence we see that there’s a financial manipulation of lower income Staten Islanders to be a part of the Purge. Again, we explore government manipulation, especially of America’s most underprivileged.”
The First Purge is available to stream on Netflix now. In the meantime, check out our other horror coveragehere.
Cameron Frew is Deputy TV & Movies Editor on Dexerto’s UK team. He’s an action movie aficionado, ’80s obsessive, and Oscars enthusiast. He loves Invincible, but he’s also a fan of The Boys, the MCU, The Chosen, and much more. He has previously written for LadBible, UniLad, and Flickering Myth. You can contact him at: cameron.frew@dexerto.com.
