As the narrative unfolds, the Sandin family, led by James Sandin (Ethan Hawke), becomes a target when they offer refuge to a stranger (Edwin Hodge) fleeing from a group of masked purgers. The stranger is revealed to be the target of a wealthy and sadistic purging group that demands his surrender.
In the climax, the leader of the purging group, credited as “Polite Leader” (Rhys Wakefield), demands the release of the stranger or else the group will break into the Sandins’ fortified home to get him. The Sandins refuse, leading to a tense confrontation.
As the purgers breach the home’s defenses, the Sandins fight back to protect their family and their newfound companion. The climax is characterized by suspenseful sequences, violent confrontations, and ethical dilemmas as the characters grapple with the consequences of the Purge.
In the resolution, James and his wife Mary (Lena Headey) manage to repel the attackers, ultimately turning the tables on the purgers. The film ends with the morning after the Purge, depicting a society returning to normalcy, but leaving the audience with a sense of unease and questioning the morality of the annual event.
“The Purge” explores themes of societal violence, morality, and the consequences of extreme government policies. While the film received mixed reviews, it proved successful at the box office, leading to the development of a franchise exploring different aspects of the Purge universe.