Over the past films, DeMonaco has explored all
kinds of different facets to this rich and complex
purge notion, from gun control to the behavior
of predatory corporations, to government
brutality against people of color and class wars.
They have hardly felt like sci-fi when neo-Nazis
really have marched openly in U.S. streets.
Here DeMonaco finds richness in flipping the
script on traditional right-wing notions of
the border and immigration. In the film, it is
people of color who are kind, resourceful and
brave, saving a well-off white family from white
horrors, with one refugee hoping to give birth in
a place better than America — the reverse of the
so-called traditional anchor baby notion.
They are all led to safety to Mexico — and
this is a genius move by DeMonaco — by a
Native American guide and fighter. “This is not
your fight,” he is told. But he responds: “We’ve
been fighting this fight for 500 years.” Happy
Independence Day, y’all!
“The Forever Purge,” a Universal Pictures
release, is rated R for “strong/bloody violence
and language throughout.” Running time: 103
minutes. Three stars out of four.
Online: http://www.theforeverpurge.com
MPAA definition of R: Restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying
parent or adult guardian.