The Purge: Anarchy (2014) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
James DeMonaco’s “The Purge: Anarchy” (2014) is the second installment in the Purge franchise, following the success of the original film. This dystopian thriller expands on the concept of a 12-hour period each year where all crimes, including murder, are legal. With a mix of suspense, action, and social commentary, The Purge: Anarchy builds on the premise established in the first film and explores a broader scope of its chilling world. In this review, we’ll delve into the film’s plot, performances, and where you can stream or rent The Purge: Anarchy online.
Plot Summary: A Night of Chaos and Survival
The Purge: Anarchy is set in a near-future America where the government has sanctioned a 12-hour period each year during which all crime is legal. The film follows multiple storylines that intersect during this night of chaos:
- Eva and Cali (Carmen Ejogo and Zoe Soul) are a mother and daughter who find themselves stranded on the streets of Los Angeles after their car breaks down. With nowhere to turn and facing the threat of being targeted, they must find a way to survive the night.
- Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) is a police sergeant with a personal vendetta, seeking revenge for the death of his son. As he takes to the streets on Purge night, his path crosses with Eva and Cali, and he decides to help them navigate the dangers of the city.
- A Young Couple (Zach Gilford and Kiele Sanchez) are on their way to a party but soon find themselves caught in the crossfire of the Purge. They are forced to confront their fears and fight for survival.
As the night unfolds, the film explores the chaos and moral ambiguity of the Purge, highlighting the desperation and brutality of a society where violence is sanctioned.
Performances: Engaging and Intense
The cast of The Purge: Anarchy delivers engaging performances that contribute to the film’s tension and emotional impact:
- Frank Grillo stars as Leo Barnes, a complex character driven by grief and vengeance. Grillo’s performance adds depth to the film, portraying Barnes as a determined and conflicted hero.
- Carmen Ejogo plays Eva, a mother trying to protect her daughter amidst the chaos. Ejogo’s portrayal is both empathetic and strong, grounding the film’s emotional core.
- Zoe Soul as Cali and Zach Gilford and Kiele Sanchez as the young couple provide additional layers to the narrative. Their performances highlight the diverse experiences and struggles faced by individuals during the Purge.
The film also features a notable supporting cast, including Michael K. Williams as the enigmatic and dangerous leader of a group of purgers. Williams adds a menacing presence to the film, enhancing its sense of danger.
Direction and Cinematography: Expanding the World of the Purge
James DeMonaco’s direction in The Purge: Anarchy expands the scope of the Purge universe, moving beyond the confines of a single household to explore a broader urban setting. The film’s cinematography, by Jacobo Morales, captures the gritty and chaotic atmosphere of the Purge night. The use of handheld cameras and dark, shadowy visuals adds to the film’s sense of immediacy and urgency.
The film’s score, composed by Nathan Whitehead, complements its tense and suspenseful tone. The music enhances the film’s atmosphere, providing a driving rhythm that underscores the action and drama.
Themes: Social Commentary and Survival
The Purge: Anarchy delves into several significant themes:
- Socioeconomic Divide: The film highlights the stark contrast between the wealthy elite who can afford protection and the lower-income individuals who are left vulnerable during the Purge. This division underscores the film’s commentary on class disparity and social injustice.
- Moral Ambiguity: The concept of a night where all crimes are legal raises questions about morality and human nature. The film explores how extreme circumstances can bring out both the worst and best in people.
- Survival and Vengeance: Central to the film is the theme of survival. The characters must navigate a night filled with violence and danger, each driven by their own motivations for revenge or protection.
Critique: Tense and Thought-Provoking
The Purge: Anarchy succeeds in building on the premise of the original film by expanding its scope and deepening its social commentary. The film’s suspenseful action and engaging performances make it a gripping watch, though its exploration of themes may be more implicit than explicit.
While the film’s depiction of violence and chaos can be intense, it serves to underscore the dangers and moral complexities of the Purge. The narrative, though sometimes predictable, maintains a sense of urgency and tension throughout.
Where to Watch The Purge: Anarchy Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching The Purge: Anarchy, here are the platforms where you can stream or rent the film online:
1. Amazon Prime Video
The Purge: Anarchy is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. You can watch it in HD on a variety of devices, including smart TVs and mobile phones.
2. Apple TV
The film can also be rented or purchased on Apple TV, offering a convenient option for viewers with Apple devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
The Purge: Anarchy is available for rent or purchase on Google Play Movies & TV, accessible on Android devices and through web browsers.
4. Vudu
You can rent or buy The Purge: Anarchy on Vudu, which offers the film in HD for viewers using different devices.
5. YouTube Movies
The film is also available for rent or purchase on YouTube Movies, allowing viewers to watch it across various platforms.
Final Thoughts
The Purge: Anarchy (2014) expands on the concept of the original film by exploring a broader scope of the Purge night. With its intense action, engaging performances, and social commentary, the film provides a thought-provoking and suspenseful experience. Whether you’re streaming it on Amazon, renting it on Google Play, or watching it on Apple TV, The Purge: Anarchy offers a chilling glimpse into a dystopian world where violence reigns supreme.
For fans of the franchise or those interested in exploring the ethical and social implications of a world without laws, The Purge: Anarchy is a compelling addition to the series.
