The Purge.

When I first saw the trailer for this, I was pretty excited. I love a good thriller and the concept sounded like it had potential. A world that was doing so well, it was bordering on a Utopia. But this extreme wealth and success has created a world with no release, rage and resentment festering just under the surface. In an attempt to control such potent emotions, American government has created "the Purge", 12 hours where anything goes, crime is legal and there is no help to hand. Every man for himself. A terrifying concept preventing this society from ever really becoming anything resembling a utopia. The rich barricade themselves in behind high tech security systems and the poor become play things, their lives in the hands of those arrogant enough to believe they are above others and willing to kill for sport. Focusing on one well off family, James DeMonaco seeks to frighten and thrill audiences when the son allows a homeless man to seek refuge in their house, making them targets for a group of rich young adults who see it as their duty or right to rid the world of such "scum". 

Rhys Walefield portrays the perfect "polite stranger" giving Ethan Hawke time to release their prey before they unleash their fury on him and his family. The control, arrogance and sheer lack of humanity displayed by this character is unnerving in itself. I personally much prefer him as Josh Maguire in Sactum, especially as you get to see his lovely arms in his wetsuit..

Hawke is the typical American male, protective and aggressive to a point of infuriating an audience with his rash actions. But, I suppose it is easy to judge when you're comfy in a cinema and not in such a harrowing situation. 

Overall, DeMonaco creates a pretty good thriller that is sadly just lacking in something special, a one time watch that doesn't disappoint but doesn't wow either. 

Becca.