James DeManoco’s series THE PURGE is one of the more underrated franchises in modern cinema.  Not only is it one of the rare franchises where the sequels are far superior to the original, but each film also has strong political and socio-economic overtones revolving around the exploitation of the lower class and malevolence of the upper class.  The upcoming prequel, THE FIRST PURGE, aims to show how the annual “celebration” began.  With an “America First” approach, the happy and perfect looking patriotic Americans in the trailer are reminiscent of the stereotypical Republican ad campaigns we see during the election season.  With its dog whistle approach the current administration uses, the trailer is even more unsettling since the type of American idealism it’s mocking is the same type of idealism that no longer seems too far-fetched.

Director Gerald McMurray (Burning Sands) takes over directing duties from DeManoco who returns as the writer.  As previously reported THE FIRST PURGE stars Y’Lan Noel (INSECURE) and Lex Scott Davis (TONI BRAXTON: UNBREAK MY HEART) and is scheduled for release on America’s birthday, July 4th, 2018.