Is The Purge Based on a True Story? The Purge Ending Explained Plot, Cast, and Trailer
by Swetha P | Updated Jul 13, 2023
The Purge 2013
"The Purge," released in 2013, is a gripping dystopian action horror film that takes place in a future society where an annual event known as the Purge allows all crime to be legal for a 12-hour period. Written and directed by James DeMonaco, the movie centers around the Sandin family, led by James and Mary, who reside in a wealthy neighborhood.
However, their seemingly secure existence is shattered when a gang of murderers sets their sights on the Sandins during the Purge. As chaos ensues, the family must navigate through a night of terror and violence, fighting to survive against relentless attackers and even their own neighbors. With a modest budget of $3 million, "The Purge" proved to be a huge success, grossing $89 million at the box office.
The film captivated audiences with its intense and thought-provoking storyline, highlighting the ethical dilemmas and moral implications of a society where lawlessness reigns for a limited time. Anchored by stellar performances from actors such as Ethan Hawke, Lena Headey, Adelaide Kane, and Max Burkholder, "The Purge" kickstarted a successful franchise that delved further into the dark and unsettling world depicted in the original film.
Is The Purge Based on a True Story?
No, "The Purge" is a work of fiction and is not based on a true story. Although the concept of a sanctioned period of lawlessness may draw inspiration from real-life events or societal concerns, the film's storyline and its portrayal of a future society where all crime, including murder, is legal for a designated time period are entirely fictional. The movie introduces the audience to a dystopian world where the "New Founding Fathers of America" party implements the annual Purge as a means to supposedly reduce crime and unemployment.
This fictional premise serves as a backdrop for exploring the moral and ethical implications of such a society. While the idea of a Purge-like event may evoke thoughts and discussions about societal issues and the consequences of unrestricted behavior, it is important to recognize that "The Purge" is a fictional creation. The film's writer and director, James DeMonaco, developed an imaginative concept that taps into primal fears and explores the limits of human morality in extreme circumstances.
The Purge Ending Explained
In the climactic ending of "The Purge," Mary Sandin, after enduring a night filled with violence and betrayal, makes a courageous decision to break the cycle of killing. Realizing that resorting to violence would only perpetuate the vicious cycle of the Purge, she intervenes when the stranger intends to execute the remaining neighbors. Mary chooses a path of non-violence, refusing to succumb to the same brutality exhibited by their attackers.
She insists on waiting peacefully until the Purge comes to an end. However, the leader of the neighbors, Grace Ferrin, reveals her group's deep resentment towards the Sandins' wealth, fueling the tension and animosity between them. As the Purge draws to a close, the stranger returns and takes action to protect the Sandins. He eliminates one of the neighbors and holds Grace hostage. Mary, staying true to her commitment to non-violence, steps in to prevent any further bloodshed.
She forces the remaining neighbors to leave and expresses her gratitude to the stranger for his assistance. The movie concludes with news reports highlighting the purported success of the Purge and the thriving sales of weapons and security systems associated with the event. This ending leaves viewers contemplating the moral and social implications of a dystopian society that allows such an extreme annual event, raising questions about the consequences of violence and the exploitation of fear for profit.
The Purge Where to Watch
"The Purge" is readily available for streaming and rental on various platforms. One of the popular options is Amazon Prime Video, where subscribers can stream the movie as part of their membership. Additionally, Amazon Video offers the option to rent the film for those who do not have a Prime subscription. Peacock and fuboTV are other streaming platforms where you can find "The Purge" and enjoy the suspenseful dystopian thriller.
With multiple streaming and rental options available, fans of "The Purge" can easily find and watch the movie on their preferred platform. Whether through subscription-based services like Amazon Prime Video or rental options on various digital platforms, viewers can immerse themselves in the gripping world of the annual Purge and experience the suspenseful tale of the Sandin family's fight for survival.
The Purge Plot
"The Purge" is set in the year 2022, where the United States has implemented an annual event known as the Purge. During this event, all crime, including murder, is legally allowed for a period of 12 hours. The story centers around the Sandin family, led by James and Mary, residing in an affluent Los Angeles gated community. James, who works in the security systems industry, assures his family that their home is fortified and safe during the Purge.
However, their sense of security is shattered when a wounded stranger seeks refuge and their compassionate son, Charlie, lets him inside the house just before the commencement of the Purge. The arrival of the wounded man compromises the family's security and draws the attention of a gang of masked and armed individuals. The gang surrounds the Sandins' home, demanding that they surrender the stranger or face dire consequences.
Realizing the gravity of the situation and determined to protect their lives and that of the stranger, the Sandins make a fateful decision. They choose to defend themselves and the wounded man against the impending invasion by the gang. The night becomes a grueling battle for survival as the family faces not only the masked attackers but also the threat posed by their own neighbors, who reveal their true intentions during the Purge. The Sandins must navigate through a treacherous and harrowing night, utilizing their wits and resources to outsmart their assailants and safeguard their lives until the Purge comes to an end.
The plot of "The Purge" delves into themes of survival, morality, and the lengths individuals are willing to go to protect themselves and their loved ones in a society where lawlessness prevails for a designated time. The story explores the intense psychological and physical challenges the Sandin family encounters, highlighting the horrors and consequences of a world where violence is temporarily legitimized.
Is The Purge Based on a True Story? - FAQs
No, "The Purge" is a work of fiction and not based on a true story. It imagines a future society where an annual event allows all crime to be legal for a limited period.
"The Purge" is set in a future United States where an annual 12-hour event, known as the Purge, permits all crime, including murder. The film follows the Sandin family as they face a dangerous gang of murderers during one such Purge night.
In the end, Mary Sandin decides to break the cycle of violence and chooses to wait peacefully until the Purge ends. She stops the stranger from killing the remaining neighbors, refusing to become like the purgers.
You can stream "The Purge" on Amazon Prime Video or rent it on Amazon Video. Other platforms where you can find the movie include Peacock, fuboTV, Amazon Instant Video, iTunes, Google Play, and Vudu.
Yes, "The Purge" is the first installment in a successful film franchise. It has spawned several sequels, including "Anarchy," "Election Year," "The First Purge," and "The Forever Purge," as well as a television series set in the same universe.