The First Purge
Performance & Direction: The First Purge Review
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The First Purge (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Action.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Action is often anchored by its ensemble, and The First Purge features a noteworthy lineup led by Y'lan Noel . Supported by the likes of Lex Scott Davis and Joivan Wade , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: The First Purge
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, The First Purge is a Action, Horror, Thriller film directed by Gerard McMurray. The narrative delivers highly intense sequences and pulse-pounding confrontations that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Y'lan Noel.
Story Breakdown
In this high-octane feature, Gerard McMurray establishes a narrative structure that follows a classic action blueprint: establishing the protagonist's world, introducing a formidable antagonist, and escalating the stakes. To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community. But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the others, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation. The film balances spectacular set pieces with character moments for Y'lan Noel, ensuring the action serves the story rather than overwhelming it.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title opens with an explosive sequence that immediately establishes the stakes and introduces our protagonist in action.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Y'lan Noel's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The final confrontation delivers on the buildup, with stakes at their highest and the protagonist using everything they've learned.
Ending Explained: The First Purge
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gerard McMurray, The First Purge concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to action resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Y'lan Noel, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the action themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The First Purge reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The First Purge?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Action films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Y'lan Noel or the director
- Want an adrenaline rush without demanding perfection
Box Office Collection: The First Purge
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $13.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $137.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The First Purge Budget
The estimated production budget for The First Purge is $13.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: The First Purge
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Where to Watch The First Purge Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Amazon VideoThe First Purge Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about The First Purge age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The First Purge is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.0/10, and global performance metrics, The First Purge is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The First Purge worth watching?
The First Purge is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Action movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The First Purge parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The First Purge identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The First Purge?
The total duration of The First Purge is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m long.
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Critic Reviews for The First Purge
_The Purge_ has come a long way since its inception. Originally used as nothing more than an excuse to explain away "Why don't they just call the cops?" in your average home-invasion movie, the original _Purge_ movie had implied classism for the meat of it, and then an actual call to class division right at the end. Since then, the classism, and racism in American society has become a focal B-story to the _Purge_ movies, and now we're in 2018 for the prequel - _The First Purge_ - and those issues are now the whole point of the movie. Some might say that it's because the movies have lost any sense of subtlety, personally I think it's more that the creatives are sick of people missing the point. _The First Purge_ can't have been an easy thing to give the go-ahead in the current political climate over in the US, but it's important, and moreover, not a bad little film, socio-economic politics aside. _Final rating:★★★ - I liked it. Would personally recommend you give it a go._
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
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