Also at the cinema
THE FIRST PURGE
Horror. With Y’lan Noel, Lex Scott Davis and Joivan Wade. Director: Gerard McMurray. 18DHLPSV. This is where it all began: the American government conducts a social experiment to see if it can be rolled out to the rest of the country.
For 12 hours the inhabitants of New York’s Staten Island can kill, plunder and commit any crime they want without consequences.
They have the chance to leave the island before it’s locked down, but if they stay they get $5 000 and have to wear contact lenses containing video cameras to record the carnage.
To make matters worse most of the residents live under the breadline and will do anything for a better life.
One of those who decides to stay is druglord Dmitri (Noel from Insecure), who plans to remain indoors and guard his property from attack. Across town his ex Nya (Scott Davis) helps to shelter vulnerable citizens at a church.
Like the Saw movies, it seems there’s no end to this series. Fans feel it’s cathartic to see people living out their bloodthirsty fantasies.
But this time the racial violence sticks out like a sore thumb and stifles the experience, leaving you with an uncomfortable feeling that’s difficult to shake.
It’s as well made as the first three, but do we really need this kind of film in South Africa at the moment? 20 SEPTEMBER 2018 you.co.za