The Purge: Election Year (2016)
Two years after choosing not to kill the man who killed his son, former police sergeant Leo Barnes has become head of security for Senator Charlene Roan, the front runner in the next Presidential election due to her vow to eliminate the Purge. On the night of what should be the final Purge, a betrayal from within the government forces Barnes and Roan out onto the street where they must fight to survive the night.
Details
Budget
$10,000,000
Rating
6/10 (5282 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Why Not Productions, Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, Platinum Dunes, Dentsu Entertainment, Fuji Television Network, Man in a Tree Productions
About The Purge: Election Year
The 2016 film "The Purge: Election Year" expands on the established dystopian premise where all crime, including murder, is legal for 12 hours once a year. This installment places the annual event directly into a political context, focusing on Senator Charlene Roan, a presidential candidate campaigning on a platform to abolish the Purge. Her personal history—having witnessed her family's murder during a Purge night—drives her political agenda and places her squarely in the crosshairs of those who benefit from the tradition. Former police sergeant Leo Barnes, who previously opted not to kill his son's murderer, becomes Roan's head of security, underscoring a theme of redemption and protection within the brutal landscape.
The film explores the political machinations behind the Purge, suggesting it is a tool used by a ruling elite to maintain power and control the population. When a betrayal forces Roan and Barnes onto the streets during the Purge, they must fight to survive while facing both sanctioned violence and those attempting to eliminate the anti-Purge movement. The narrative combines action and horror elements, maintaining the series' focus on survival horror and legalized murder within a society on the edge. The plot delves into the consequences of the Purge on different social strata, highlighting its impact beyond simple crime statistics.
Why you might be searching for The Purge: Election Year
Search queries reflect interest in both the film's core concept of legalized murder and specific scenes of peril or resistance. People are looking for details on how families are trapped and hunted, the nature of political control, and instances of characters confronting the violence of the Purge.
What reviewers are saying
One critic noted that, unlike many franchises, "The Purge" series has shown improvement with each new film, stating that "Election Year" is the strongest entry so far.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found this film to be the best-looking visually within the franchise and appreciated the return of Frank Grillo, though they felt it was a step down from its direct predecessor, "Anarchy."
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
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You can stream *The Purge: Election Year* on Netflix. It is also available to buy or rent on platforms like Amazon Video and Fandango at Home.
*The Purge: Election Year* is not based on a true story. It is a fictional political action horror film, the third installment in *The Purge* franchise, and was written and directed by James DeMonaco.
At the end of *The Purge: Election Year*, Senator Charlie Roan wins the presidential election after campaigning to end the annual Purge. The film concludes with news reports confirming her landslide victory, and also mentions violent uprisings by New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) supporters in response to the election results, suggesting ongoing tensions.
*The Purge: Election Year* received mixed to average reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes' critics consensus says it's "not particularly subtle" but still offers a "nastily effective diversion" with its blend of jolts and timely themes.