‘The Purge’: How a Road Rage Incident Sparked One of the Biggest Horror Franchises

‘The Purge’ franchise, known for its premise where all crime is legal for one night a year, has evolved from a low-budget home invasion horror film into a major cultural phenomenon with five movies and two TV seasons, plus another film on the way. The latest entry, ‘The Forever Purge’, showcases apocalyptic scenes of El Paso in flames, contrasting sharply with the franchise’s humble beginnings as a gritty, socially aware horror story.

The concept, created by James DeMonaco, initially had a darker edge. DeMonaco, who wrote all five films, drew inspiration from various sources, including classic Star Trek episodes and Michael Haneke’s films.

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However, the seed for ‘The Purge’ was planted after a personal experience: a near-accident on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. Following this, DeMonaco’s wife jokingly suggested that having a single day of legal violence annually could be cathartic. This idea, while shocking, reflects the film’s exploration of violence and class dynamics.

The franchise’s unique approach involves different characters and storylines in each instalment but maintains a common setting and thematic focus. ‘The Purge’ itself is portrayed as a government-sanctioned ritual designed to purge societal ills, though it primarily serves the wealthy, who use it to target the poor.

Despite the franchise’s provocative themes, it critiques the notion that ordinary people are inherently violent, often revealing hypocrisy within its own narrative. The final film is set to further explore America’s ideological and social fractures, continuing to challenge viewers with its dark, satirical commentary.

–Farheen Ali