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 action-horror film "The Purge: Election Year" continues the franchise's exploration of a dystopian America where all crime, including murder, is legal for one night each year. This installment focuses on former police sergeant Leo Barnes, who now heads security for Senator Charlene Roan. Roan is campaigning to abolish the Purge, driven by a personal tragedy she experienced during a past Purge night. As the annual event approaches, an internal government betrayal forces Barnes and Roan onto the streets, where they must survive the night and confront the forces determined to maintain the Purge.
The film delves into themes of political power, survival, and social commentary. As a thriller, it maintains suspense through the constant threat of violence, while its horror elements stem from the brutal realities of a society that condones an annual night of lawlessness. The narrative positions Roan as a symbol of hope against the entrenched system, making her survival crucial to the film's conflict. The plot follows Barnes and Roan as they navigate the dangerous urban landscape during the Purge, encountering various factions and individuals who either support or oppose the event.
Why you might be searching for The Purge: Election Year
People are often looking for the specific plot points and events that occur during the Purge night, especially concerning Senator Roan's struggle and the actions of various groups involved. The keywords "dystopia" and "legalized murder" also suggest interest in the film's core concept.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer noted that this installment continues a trend of improvement within the franchise, suggesting it is the strongest film in the series to date.
Read the full reviewA review mentioned that it is visually the best-looking movie in the Purge franchise, appreciating Frank Grillo's return, though finding it a step down from its immediate predecessor, "Anarchy."
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *The Purge: Election Year* on Netflix. It is also available to rent or buy on platforms like Fandango, Amazon Video, and Universal Pictures At Home.
*The Purge: Election Year* is not based on a true story; it is a fictional political action horror film.
At the end of *The Purge: Election Year*, Senator Charlie Roan wins the presidential election by a landslide, fulfilling her promise to end the annual Purge. Despite initial plans by Dante Bishop's group to assassinate her opponent, Minister Edwidge Owens, Roan persuades them not to, choosing to beat him democratically. The film concludes with news reports stating that NFFA (New Founding Fathers of America) supporters are carrying out violent uprisings across the country in response to Roan's victory.
*The Purge: Election Year* received mixed reviews from critics, with a 55% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. While some critics found its blend of "potent jolts and timely themes" to be an effective diversion, others noted that its political subtext sometimes got lost amid the action or that the high-minded message overshadowed the drama.