Skip to main content

The Purge: Anarchy

| 2014

Directed by: James DeMonaco

 official film poster image

Main Plot

"The Purge: Anarchy," directed by James DeMonaco, is set in a dystopian future where the U.S. government sanctions an annual 12-hour period during which all crime, including murder, is legal. The film follows a group of strangers who find themselves stranded on the streets during this lawless night. As they navigate the chaos, they must rely on each other for survival. The group includes a couple whose car breaks down, a mother and daughter fleeing their home, and a mysterious man on a personal mission. Together, they face various threats from violent gangs, ruthless purgers, and government forces. The film explores themes of social inequality and the moral implications of the Purge, highlighting the stark differences between the wealthy, who can afford security, and the vulnerable, who are left to fend for themselves. As the night progresses, the characters' motivations and backstories are revealed, leading to a climactic confrontation that challenges their perceptions of justice and humanity.

Characters

  • Frank Grillo plays Sergeant Leo Barnes, a vengeful man seeking justice for his son's death, who becomes a protector for strangers during a night of lawlessness.
  • Carmen Ejogo plays Eva Sanchez, a waitress and single mother who fights for survival with her daughter during a night of government-sanctioned lawlessness.
  • Zach Gilford plays Shane, a man trying to survive the annual purge with his wife, Liz. They encounter various dangers while seeking safety.

Ending Explained

In "The Purge: Anarchy," directed by James DeMonaco, the film concludes with a climactic series of events that bring the central characters' arcs to a resolution. The story follows a group of strangers who band together to survive the annual Purge, a 12-hour period during which all crimes are legal. The group includes Sergeant Leo Barnes, who is out seeking revenge for the death of his son, and a mother-daughter duo, Eva and Cali Sanchez, among others. As the night progresses, the group faces numerous life-threatening situations, including being hunted by a wealthy family and a paramilitary group. In the final act, Leo confronts the man responsible for his son's death, but ultimately chooses to spare him, breaking the cycle of violence. This act of mercy highlights Leo's internal struggle and growth. The film ends with Leo and the group being rescued by anti-Purge resistance fighters led by Carmelo Johns. As dawn breaks, signaling the end of the Purge, the survivors are left to contemplate the night's events and the societal implications of the Purge itself. The conclusion underscores themes of morality, survival, and the human capacity for both violence and compassion.

James DeMonaco Action Horror Sci-Fi Frank Grillo Carmen Ejogo Zach Gilford