Film / News
Bristol Black Horror Club and Horror Without End dissect The Purge
On release back in 2013, Blumhouse dystopian horror The Purge received a decidedly mixed critical response, with some reviewers being unsure what to make of its politics. But it certainly struck a chord with audiences, spawning four sequels (with a fifth reportedly on the way) and a two-season TV series adaptation.
For the uninitiated, The Purge is set in a crime-free near-future USA controlled by the Trumpy New Founding Fathers of America, who initiate the annual Purge as a means of allowing citizens to let off steam. For 24 hours, all crime – including murder – is legal and no emergency services are available. Naturally, the wealthy retreat into their gated communities to avoid the carnage on the streets.
Now that original film is being brought back to the big screen in an event co-organised by the Bristol Black Horror Club and Horror Without End. The screening will be introduced by Bristol Black Horror Club’s Adam Murray and followed by panel discussion featuring Adam Murray, Alex Kidd (Horror Without End) and Dr Pete Falconer (Senior Lecturer in Film and Television, University of Bristol), exploring the racial and class tensions at the heart of The Purge.
is needed now More than ever
The screening takes place at the Bristol Improv Theatre on Thursday 17 August. Go here for tickets.
Main image: Universal Pictures
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
