Name: The Forever Purge
Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller
Released: 2021-06-30T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Ana de la Reguera, Josh Lucas, Willow Beuoy, Leven Rambin, Will Patton

The opening scene of The Forever Purge is a brutal, unrelenting chase—Mexican immigrants Adela and Juan fleeing through the Texas wilderness, their breath ragged, the sound of snarling dogs and shouts echoing behind them. It’s a visceral hook that sets the tone for this fifth entry in The Purge franchise, directed by Everardo Gout.

What it is: A sequel to The Purge: Election Year, The Forever Purge expands the dystopian universe by exploring the consequences of an eternal Purge. Set in 2048, the film follows Adela (Ana de la Reguera) and Juan (Tenoch Huerta), Mexican immigrants trying to build a life in Texas, as they face off against white supremacist Purgers who refuse to stop their violence even after the annual event’s official end. The film is a tense, action-packed thriller that blends elements of horror and Western genres, with a political edge that aims to comment on contemporary issues of immigration and nationalism.

What works: The film’s strengths lie in its action sequences and performances. The chase scenes are particularly noteworthy, with Gout demonstrating a keen eye for sustained suspense. The director’s use of wide, expansive shots of the Texas landscape creates a sense of isolation and vulnerability for the characters, amplifying the tension. Ana de la Reguera delivers a standout performance as Adela, bringing depth and resilience to her character. Her portrayal of a woman fighting for survival and justice is both compelling and emotionally resonant. Tenoch Huerta is equally impressive as Juan, their chemistry grounding the film’s emotional core.

The supporting cast also contributes to the film’s strengths. Josh Lucas, as Dylan Tucker, provides a nuanced performance that adds complexity to his character’s moral dilemma. Leven Rambin, as Harper Tucker, brings a fierce determination to her role, while Will Patton, as Caleb Tucker, delivers a memorable performance that leaves a lasting impact.

The film’s Western-inspired setting is another highlight. The vast, open landscapes and rustic interiors provide a fresh visual dynamic for the franchise, differentiating The Forever Purge from its predecessors. This setting also allows for some creative action sequences, such as the tense standoff at the Tucker ranch, which blends elements of classic Westerns with the franchise’s signature horror.

What falters: Unfortunately, The Forever Purge stumbles in its writing and narrative coherence. The plot often feels fragmented, juggling too many characters and subplots without sufficient development. The film’s attempt to tackle complex political themes results in a messaging that is heavy-handed and lacks nuance. The good-vs-evil dynamics simplify issues that deserve more thoughtful exploration.

The pacing of the film also presents challenges. While the action sequences are thrilling, some segments feel rushed or underdeveloped. This inconsistency in pacing makes the film’s runtime feel uneven, with moments of high intensity followed by lulls that disrupt the narrative flow.

Additionally, the film’s political commentary, while ambitious, often feels preachy and simplistic. The nuances of immigration and nationalism are reduced to broad strokes, which can alienate viewers seeking more depth and complexity in their political thrillers. This oversimplification undermines the potential impact of the film’s message, making it feel more like a polemic than a thoughtful exploration of its themes.

Comparisons to other films in The Purge franchise are inevitable, and The Forever Purge falls short in several areas. While it shares the series’ signature blend of action and horror, it lacks the tight scripting and thematic depth of earlier entries like The Purge: Election Year. That film’s political commentary was more integrated into its narrative, making its message feel more organic and less heavy-handed.

The Forever Purge is a film that tries to say something meaningful about immigration and nationalism but gets lost in its own chaos. While it has moments of genuine excitement and emotional weight, the convoluted plot and simplistic messaging hold it back from achieving its full potential. It’s a shame, because with stronger writing and more nuanced political commentary, The Forever Purge could have been a standout entry in the franchise.

Verdict: The Forever Purge has moments of genuine excitement and emotional weight, but it’s ultimately held back by its convoluted plot and simplistic messaging.