The Purge: Election Year Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A senator who wants to cancel the annual legally sanctioned murder spree has to survive the night when it turns out rich people like the murder spree.

🍿 The Purge: Election Year: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction and Senator Roan’s Campaign

The film opens with a flashback to a young Charlie Roan witnessing her family’s murder on Purge night. Eighteen years later, Roan is a senator running for President, vowing to end the annual Purge. Her platform threatens the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA), who benefit from the Purge’s existence.

Betrayal and Escape

As Purge night arrives, the NFFA revokes the rule protecting government officials, making Senator Roan a target. Leo Barnes, her head of security, attempts to protect her, but they are betrayed and forced to flee into the streets of Washington D.C. They must survive the night against hordes of Purgers and assassins sent by the NFFA.

Allies and Survival

While navigating the chaotic Purge night, Roan and Barnes find allies in Joe Dixon, a deli owner, and Laney Rucker, an EMT. They band together to protect each other and fight against the Purgers, seeking refuge in an anti-Purge movement’s hideout.

Kidnapping and Rescue

Roan is eventually kidnapped and taken to a church for a Purge mass, where she is to be sacrificed by the NFFA leaders. Barnes, Joe, Laney, and other allies launch a rescue mission, leading to a violent confrontation within the church. This sets up the film’s dramatic climax.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo): The former police sergeant-turned-security head is tasked with protecting Senator Roan from those who wish to kill her during the Purge.
• Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell): The presidential candidate vows to end the Purge after surviving a horrific family tragedy.
• Joe Dixon (Mykelti Williamson): A deli owner who protects his store during the Purge and aids Senator Roan and Leo Barnes.
• Marcos (J.J. Soria): Loyal employee of Joe Dixon who helps defend the deli and protect Senator Roan.
• Laney Rucker (Betty Gabriel): A former gang member turned EMT who operates a triage van during the Purge and assists Roan.
• Minister Edwidge Owens (Kyle Secor): The presidential candidate for the New Founding Fathers of America who supports the Purge.
• Earl Danzinger (Terry Serpico): The ruthless mercenary leader hired to assassinate Senator Roan on Purge night.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Senator Charlie Roan: “We can’t be afraid. We have to show them that we will not be silenced.” – Said to Leo Barnes when discussing the risks of her campaign against the Purge.
• Joe Dixon: “Boy, there’s a whole bunch of Negros comin’ right this way. And we sitting up here like a bucket of motherfucking chicken.” – Joe Dixon says this as a group approaches his store during the Purge, expressing his unease.
• Leo Barnes: “Surviving is about more than just staying alive.” – Leo says this when he and Senator Roan are on the run, highlighting the moral cost of the Purge.
• Minister Edwidge Owens: “Purge and purify!” – Owens shouts this during the Purge mass before attempting to sacrifice Senator Roan.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $79,213,375
• Worldwide Gross: $118,587,880

💥 The Purge: Election Year Reviews

Personal Review

As a fan of the series, I enjoyed how this film expanded on the political aspects. Seeing Senator Roan fighting for her beliefs while dodging psychopaths kept me glued to the screen. The action was intense, especially the church scene, and the new characters added a fresh dynamic. I appreciated the social commentary, even though it wasn’t subtle. It made me think about power, corruption, and the fight for what’s right.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action-horror movies”
  • “Viewers interested in dystopian and politically charged thrillers”
  • “Those who enjoy films with social commentary”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Intense violence and gore”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing thematic elements”
  • “Some racial slurs”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “Election Year smartly expands the Purge mythology, offering creative visuals and action. While the political commentary can be heavy-handed, the film delivers a thrilling, albeit predictable, ride. Ultimately, it’s a solid entry that leans into the franchise’s strengths.
• Variety: “Offers some tension but falters due to a predictable storyline and heavy-handed political undertones. Frank Grillo returns and delivers solid action, but the narrative struggles to balance social commentary with genuine scares. Fans may find it entertaining, but the franchise needs fresh ideas.
• IGN: “The Purge: Election Year provides a decent action flick with moments of creative violence, but its social commentary feels forced. Elizabeth Mitchell and Frank Grillo give commendable performances, but the repetitive narrative prevents it from being truly impactful. It’s enjoyable, but not exceptional.

Audience Reactions

The action sequences were intense and creatively violent.: The movie was appreciated for its high-octane action, and the creative ways people found to purge.

The social commentary, though heavy-handed, resonated with current political themes.: Viewers felt the movie reflected some real-world issues, making it more than just a typical horror flick.

Overall Consensus: An action-packed but predictable entry in the Purge series, with heavy-handed political commentary.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Originally, part 3 was intended to be a prequel, telling the story of the very first Purge. This idea was scrapped when Frank Grillo accepted James DeMonaco’s offer to reprise the character of Sergeant Leo Barnes.”
• “The prequel idea was used for the next film in the series, ‘The First Purge’ (2018).”

🖥️ How to Watch The Purge: Election Year?

The Purge: Election Year is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. You can rent or purchase the movie on these services. Check local listings for TV airings as well. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD can be purchased from major retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Purge: Election Year, you might like these similar films:

• The Purge: Anarchy (2014): Direct sequel with the same themes of class and survival during the Purge.
• V for Vendetta (2005): Features a dystopian society and a fight against a corrupt government, sharing themes of rebellion and political resistance.
• Escape from New York (1981): Set in a dystopian near-future, it follows a protagonist navigating a lawless, violent city to complete a mission, similar to the survival aspect.
• The Hunt (2020): Modern thriller involving a group of elites hunting ordinary citizens for sport, echoing the social commentary and violence of The Purge.
• Death Race 2000 (1975): A satirical take on a dystopian future where violence is normalized and even celebrated, prefiguring some of The Purge’s themes.

🛒 The Purge: Election Year Related Products

• The Purge: Election Year (Blu-ray): Experience the thrill and horror of Election Year in stunning high definition. The Blu-ray includes bonus features, deleted scenes, and behind-the-scenes footage for the ultimate fan experience.
• The Purge: The Complete Movie Collection: Own all the films of the franchise and witness the evolution of the world and the story.
• The Purge Movie Poster: Display the official movie poster to show your love for the Purge series. This high-quality print captures the essence of the film’s themes and characters, making it a unique addition to any fan’s collection.
• The Purge Mask: Show your support for a real revolution with this amazing mask.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Purge: Election Year features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “20th Century Boy” – performed by T. Rex

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Film Theory: How To WIN The Purge

Curious about how to stay alive during a night when crime is legal? Film Theorist Matt Pat has some interesting ideas.

How Legit is Leo Barnes’ Push Dagger in The Purge? #shorts

Love action movies? Check out this breakdown of a fight scene from The Purge: Election Year, where a martial arts expert analyzes the use of a push dagger.

The Purge explained by an idiot

Need a quick and funny rundown of The Purge: Election Year? This comedic recap has got you covered.

Everything Wrong With The Forever Purge In 16 Minutes Or Less

If you’re a fan of The Purge movies, you’ll appreciate this humorous and critical look at ‘The Forever Purge’ from CinemaSins.

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