The First Purge (2018)
The origin story of America's most terrifying night — where one experiment unleashed a nation's darkest impulses.
The First Purge - Movie Information
- Original Title: The First Purge
- Release Year: 2018
- Directed by: Gerard McMurray
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Horror, Thriller
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 37m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): July 4, 2018 (Canada), July 4, 2018 (United States - R), July 6, 2018 (United Kingdom - 15), July 5, 2018 (Germany - 18), July 4, 2018 (France - 12), August 22, 2018 (Brazil - 18), July 5, 2018 (Italy - VM14), July 6, 2018 (Spain - 18)
- Alternative Titles: Next Purge Chapter (US), הטיהור 4 (IL), Sudnaya noch. Nachalo (RU), Ngày Thanh Trừng 4 (VN), 人类清除计划4 (CN), 12 horas para sobrevivir: El inicio (MX), La première Purge (CA), American Nightmare 4 : Les Origines (FR)
- Production Companies: Platinum Dunes, Blumhouse Productions, Universal Pictures, Man in a Tree Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
The First Purge - Plot
To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the others, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.
The First Purge - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see where America's most brutal tradition began:
Witness the birth of an American tradition.
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The First Purge - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Gerard McMurray
Main Cast
- Y'lan Noel
- Lex Scott Davis
- Joivan Wade
- Steve Harris
- Mugga
- Patch Darragh
- Marisa Tomei
- Luna Lauren Vélez
- Kristen Solis
- Rotimi Paul
Writers
- James DeMonaco
Producers
- Michael Bay
- Jason Blum
- Andrew Form
- Brad Fuller
- Sébastien K. Lemercier
The First Purge - FAQs
Is The First Purge based on a true story?
The First Purge is not based on a true story, but it draws heavily from real-world anxieties about systemic inequality, government overreach, and racial injustice in America. Writer James DeMonaco crafted the Purge universe as a satirical lens on social and political tensions, making it feel uncomfortably plausible despite being fictional.
What is The First Purge about?
The First Purge explores the origins of America's annual lawless night. The New Founding Fathers launch a social experiment on Staten Island, offering residents money to stay during a 12-hour period of sanctioned violence. What begins as a controlled trial quickly spirals as government-backed forces escalate the bloodshed to ensure the program's success.
Who are the main actors in The First Purge?
Y'lan Noel leads the cast as Dmitri, a local drug lord turned reluctant hero, alongside Lex Scott Davis as activist Nya and Joivan Wade as her younger brother Isaiah. Marisa Tomei plays Dr. May Updale, the scientist behind the experiment, with Steve Harris, Mugga, and Rotimi Paul rounding out the ensemble.
Is The First Purge a prequel or a sequel?
The First Purge is a prequel to the entire Purge franchise. It tells the origin story of how the annual Purge night came to exist, set before the events of the original 2013 film. It's the fourth installment released but chronologically the first chapter in the series' timeline.
Where can you stream The First Purge?
You can watch The First Purge by renting or buying it on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's widely available across major digital platforms, so picking it up for a night of dystopian thrills is pretty straightforward.
What is the age rating for The First Purge?
The First Purge is rated R in the United States, meaning viewers under 17 require an accompanying parent or adult guardian. The film contains strong bloody violence, disturbing images, language throughout, and some drug content — so it's firmly aimed at mature audiences looking for intense, unflinching genre filmmaking.
How much did The First Purge earn at the box office?
The First Purge was a significant commercial success, earning over $137 million worldwide against a modest production budget of $13 million. That kind of return — more than ten times its cost — cemented the Purge franchise as one of Blumhouse Productions' most reliable and profitable horror properties.
Where was The First Purge filmed?
The First Purge was primarily filmed in New York, with production taking place in various locations around New York City and New Jersey. The story is set on Staten Island, and the urban environment gives the film a gritty, grounded atmosphere that amplifies the tension of its dystopian premise throughout.
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