As the lights dim and the opening credits of "The First Purge" roll, there's a palpable sense of anticipation. A prequel to a successful franchise, this horror/action-adventure film from director Gerard McMurray, promises to delve into the origins of the annual night of lawlessness. The premise is intriguing; the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) are testing a sociological theory to curb crime rates by allowing venting aggression for one night in an isolated community. But does the film live up to its potential?
Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding "not quite". The film scores a middling 6/10, not for lack of trying, but rather for failing to fully capitalize on its premise. It's not the best, but it's okay. It's a cinematic journey that had potential but falls short in execution.
The film does have its moments. A few strong setpieces are sprinkled throughout, creating brief sparks of excitement. These scenes are well-crafted, visually striking, and provide a glimpse into the chaotic world of the Purge. However, they are few and far between, leaving the audience yearning for more. The film lacks a consistent thread of tension and drive, making it feel disjointed and lacking cohesion.
The characters, too, leave much to be desired. While the film attempts to create complex, relatable characters, it falls short. The character development is shallow, and the audience is left feeling disconnected from their plight. We are mere spectators in their world, rather than being emotionally invested in their survival. The film lacks the emotional depth and character development that could have elevated it from an average horror flick to a compelling exploration of human nature and societal structures.
Despite its shortcomings, "The First Purge" is not a complete disaster. It offers a unique perspective on the origins of the Purge, and provides a few moments of genuine suspense and thrill. But these moments are not enough to save the film from its overall mediocrity. It's not a terrible film, but it's not a great one either. It's simply… okay.
In conclusion, "The First Purge" is a film that had potential but falls short. It's not the best, but it's okay. It offers a few strong setpieces, but is lacking in tension, drive, cohesion, and character development. It's a film that will likely be enjoyed by die-hard fans of the franchise, but may leave others feeling unsatisfied. A score of 6/10 seems fitting for a film that offers brief moments of brilliance, but ultimately fails to deliver a consistently engaging and impactful cinematic experience.
