Profoundly original, terribly underrated

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2016)

Even though I had heard of this film around the time of its debut, I only got around to actually watching it now. My main conclusion is that I should have watched it sooner, and the only slightly secondary conclusion is that (as always when Horror is considered) one must never rely on IMDb raters when choosing a film. At the time of this review, the film is rated 5.6, which is no less than an atrocity of justice in my opinion as a devout Horror fan.
Like many other Horror titles, the strongest and best aspect of The Purge is the story. In an alternate reality, the US has been able to make unemployment, crime and violence almost extinct, thanks to a new "national holiday" known as The Purge, which takes place annually on the night of March 21st. During that night, for 12 hours, any and all crimes (with the main focus given to murder) are decriminalized, in order to allow Americans to "purge" themselves of hatred, anger and violence by committing heinous acts against their fellow citizens.
It's no coincidence that I've chosen to describe March 21st as a "national holiday", as the film presents it as nothing less: there's a special holiday greeting ("safe night!"), special television broadcasts, and everyday conversations referring to a night of violence and murder as any other mundane annual traditional celebration. Purging is not just a custom, it's a civil right no different than the first and second amendments. The reality presented is original and groundbreaking, offering philosophical moral dilemmas (the individual vs. the collective) for the audience to debate amongst itself throughout the film.
The plot revolves around the Sandin family, with whom the first connection to The Purge is established as the father is a successful salesman of home security systems (used mainly to defend families locking themselves indoors to survive The Purge). Ethan Hawke is, I must say, less than impressive and not the best casting choice for the part. The plot thickens when the family's youngest son (a lot of unfulfilled potential shown by young actor Max Burkholder) notices a man crying for help on the screen showing live feed from the security camera, and decides to unlock the doors and let him in. Soon after, a group of experienced revelers arrive at the Sandins' door and demand that they turn in the man, lest they break into the house and exercise their right to purge on the entire family. Rhys Wakefield demonstrates profound and unparalleled acting skills as the leader of the group, with facial expressions, body language and diction that run chills through the viewers.
What is the "right" thing to do? Should a father sacrifice a stranger in order to save his family? Is something morally allowed just because it is legalized? These questions are only some of the thinking process beautifully forced on the audience of The Purge. As a Horror feature, it is mediocre at best, and in my opinion fails to replicate the thrilling tension bar set by other titles such as The Strangers. However, combined with the ethical dilemmas and the original story, The Purge offers an excellent viewing experience which I would highly recommend to anyone (even non-Horror fans). I was going to rate it a well earnt 7, but seeing as how other reviewers have made it so annoyingly underrated - I chose to give it an 8, in a futile attempt to salvage some justice.