Synopsis:
“The Purge: Election Year” takes viewers back into the dystopian world where the local population of America must fight for survival during the government’s sanctioned annual Purge. The Purge, a night where all crime is legal, was originally designed to reduce poverty but has become a contentious issue as the upcoming presidential candidates grapple with its moral implications.
In 2040, Senator Charlie Roan (played by Elizabeth Mitchell), a survivor of a horrifying Purge night in her teenage years, campaigns to become the next President of the United States with a promise to put an end to the annual Purge. This poses a direct threat to Edwige Owens, a candidate from The New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) who supports the continuation of the Purge. To regain public trust, government officials remove immunity for politicians on Purge night, including Charlie.
Meanwhile, Joe Dixon (played by Mykelti Williamson), a grocery and convenience store owner, and his assistant Marcos (Joseph Julian Soria) gather to watch the presidential debate, joined by Laney Rucker (Betty Gabriel), a legendary figure in their community who has turned away from her purging past to become a member of the Emergency Medical Team (EMT).
Amidst these different storylines, tensions rise as Joe faces the burden of increased insurance costs for Purge night, leaving him to defend his store alone. As tourists from overseas flock to America to participate in the annual Purge, Joe’s concerns about the escalating violence intensify.
As Purge night unfolds, Joe and Marcos successfully fend off a pair of teenage girls who previously attempted to rob Joe’s store, only to be threatened with a promise of retaliation. Charlie also finds herself in a perilous situation as her refusal to adhere to the safety protocols offered by the government makes her a target. Leo Barnes (played by Frank Grillo), her trusted bodyguard, works tirelessly to protect her. However, some of Charlie’s specialized guards betray her, hoping to ransom her to Edwige.
Amidst the chaos, despite heightened security at Charlie’s residence, their defenses prove futile against an attack led by a neo-Nazi paramilitary group. Leo manages to rescue Charlie, and together they navigate the treacherous streets of Washington D.C. in search of shelter. In a stroke of luck, Joe and Marcos witness the ambush and come to their aid, eliminating the threat.
Seeking refuge, Charlie, Leo, Joe, and Marcos take shelter inside Joe’s store. However, they soon find themselves under siege once again when the group of teenage girls, determined to exact revenge on Joe, descends upon them. Desperate and cornered, Laney, who receives a message from Joe, arrives just in time to fend off the attackers and lead everyone to safety. United, they rally together to protect Charlie, ensuring her victory in the election and fulfilling her promise to abolish the Purge.
Conclusion:
“The Purge: Election Year” presents a thrilling battle for survival in a society where crime runs rampant during an annual sanctioned night. Through a gripping storyline and intense action sequences, the movie explores the moral implications of government-sanctioned violence and poses thought-provoking questions about the balance between security and personal freedom. With unforgettable characters and heart-pounding moments, “The Purge: Election Year” will keep audiences on the edge of their seats from start to finish.