IR Film Review: THE FOREVER PURGE [Universal]

Meant to be a coda of sorts, "The Forever Purge" was shot during the middle of COVID but its foretelling thought of dread was written back in 2018 (and was actually prescient in many ways). The approach by setting the film in Texas in an interesting approach because it both serves as a dissertation of American identity but also places it near a point (in El Paso) which is a trigger point for border disputes and discussions. It is interesting as the story paces itself out in looking at what i the lesser of two evils. The leads in this film are Hispanic and the idea rightfully reflects the idea the film is trying to portray. The film gives the aspect of purification as an irony when immigration is what created the country. The influence also towards the end with another subjugated corner of the historical context is also quite telling.

Ana de la Reguera & Tenoch Huerta play Adela and Juan who begin the film in an interesting context, both living their lives but also painfully aware of their differences with the community around them but trying to make the best of it. Their focus and optimism, especially revealing Adela's background gives the film its backbone especially in her connotation and reality of protection. Josh Lucas, playing a lead/supporting role, gets the first chance in a while to play it out in a studio film. It is not an easy character either because he has to play a doubter and a man with a degree of prejudice. The way the film plays out also requires a certain mindset but understanding the violence begets violence.

The Purge is an analogy to chaos and the way "The Forever Purge" plays it, there are no safeties...no end to the violence...which is a fitting coda. Some of the overhead drone shots and especially ones near the border later with everything burning really paints a picture. The Purge has always been a story of terror rather than horror and what human beings can reflect in their behavior, both in the best of times and the worst of times. The movie doesn't pull punches yet it is also aware it is entertainment which is a difficult balance. It succeeds in many ways especially with the two leads in what is not necessarily the easiest shoot. Unlike before, this purge is more like a war zone and only the smartest will survive. B

By Tim Wassberg