Another week, another film that ticks all the popular Netflix genres—dystopian action crime horror—is storming the global top ten films charts.
The Forever Purge, the 2021 dystopian film, has become a sensation on Netflix, claiming the sixth spot on the streaming giant’s top ten films list globally. It has also garnered attention across 21 countries, from Argentina to Venezuela.
Directed by Everardo Valerio Gout and written by James DeMonaco, the mind behind the entire Purge franchise, The Forever Purge, was initially conceived as the final chapter in the series. It stands as the fifth instalment and a direct sequel to 2016’s The Purge: Election Year. The film features Ana de la Reguera, Tenoch Huerta, Josh Lucas, Cassidy Freeman, Leven Rambin, Alejandro Edda, and Will Patton.
The plot revolves around a people striving to escape the United States in the aftermath of the 2049 Purge, as a relentless insurrectionist movement continues its spree of crimes and murders nationwide. The Forever Purge fall short of delving deeply into its most ominously relevant themes and touches upon topics like the immigration experience that resonate with the current political climate.
Originally scheduled for release in July 2020, The Forever Purge faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, upon its theatrical release on July 2nd, 2021, the film proved to be a commercial success, grossing $77million worldwide against its $18million budget.
Despite the commercial success, the critical reception was mixed. While the performances and adrenaline-pumping action sequences received praise, the film is formulaic with its lacklustre writing. Nevertheless, a sixth film is currently in development, starring Frank Grillo, who is reprising his role of Sgt. Leo Barnes from previous instalments, The Purge: Anarchy and The Purge: Election Year.
You can watch The Forever Purge on Netflix and catch the trailer here:
