The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch
EntertainmentFeaturedFilmThe Latest

Film Review: ‘The Forever Purge’

by Jake King July 4, 2021
by Jake King July 4, 2021 0 comments
2.9K

The American Tradition of Purging continues!

Independence Day is here, and it is time for another Purge movie! For those who are unfamiliar, “The Purge” is an annual holiday where all crime is legal for 12 hours and emergency services become unavailable. According to the New Founding Fathers, the political leaders who founded the Purge, anyone can rob, kill, and destroy for one full night as a way to clean their plate of internalized anger. Audiences who have kept up with this series will know that that was not the true reason behind the holiday, as it was a plot by the ‘New Founding Fathers’ to diminish the poor population.

The Forever Purge takes place following the events of Election Year, where the newly elected president promised to take steps in abolishing the annual Purge. Inevitably, the “New Founding Fathers” were elected back into office, and immediately reinstated the annual Purge. One year, just after the annual night ends and all crime becomes illegal again, a group of people start their own Purge to continue onward. Caught in the middle of this are a group of ranchers in Texas, two of whom have migrated from Mexico almost a year before. With the public violently running around, neighboring countries have opened their borders for a short amount of time. Now this group of ranchers must band together and reach the Mexican border alive before they are stuck in the United States and hunted down in the name of “Purge Purification.”

Although none of the entries in the Purge series are good, per say, they do still carry an intriguing premise that comments on human behavior and corruption. Sadly, though, the strength of the commentary is limited to the premise, as the films seem to focus more on shock value and surface-level references to violence. This can be said for each single entry, although each film improves on the other in regard to the scope. The primitive home invasion setting of the first film was put aside to further explore the country-wide impact of the Purge and how it affects other people of difference classes.

What The Forever Purge does, very cleverly, is break from the series’ formula and explores the day following the Purge. After 4 films of more or less the same plot, the series finally addresses the possibility of people not truly feeling satisfied after one full night of purging, which rings true to human behavior. While ‘Election Year seemed to signify the end of the chaos, the Forever Purge shows that there is no true end to destructive human behavior and political corruption; a hard, but important, pill to swallow. The current political climate of the United States is also properly reflected in the film, as it tackles topics such as illegal immigration, white supremacy among the masses, a angry public with no sense of control, and the use of problematic hashtags. Given the real-life events that occurred in the past year alone, there is no better time for a Purge movie than now.

The question is, is The Forever Purge a good movie? Not exactly. Similar to the other entries in the series, the interesting aspects are only within the premise and setup. What actually occurs in these films range from bland and boring to just plain laughable. Granted, in the midst of violence and prejudice, a rational conversation could be rather hard to come by, but some of the circumstances these characters find themselves in feel too forced and convoluted. It is as if the filmmakers are more concerned with a checklist of political and societal references, rather than clear and precise characters for audience members to get behind. Sure, the commentary on racist America is present in this film, and the elements for a good film are here, but the characters are not interesting enough to give the film the fire or stakes to be compelling.

Although there are not as many goofy characters here as in previous entries, The Forever Purge can’t help but contain a few. For instance, in one scene, there is a biker with a swastika face tattoo, and with glee, he is able to identify the sound of multiple guns being fired as if he were a music scholar pointing out instruments. Anyone who closely follows the Purge films will recognize this as the mandatory cartoon character that appears in each entry, such as the “candy bar” kid from Election Year. There is no doubt that people like this exist, but this feels like a character added in solely for the sake of a reference, and it keeps the film’s political message from feeling truly impactful.

Also, like the previous Purge movies, this one has a few too many jump scares. This is to be expected given that this series is co-produced by Blumhouse Pictures, who specialize in horror movies, but the jump scares in this entry are poorly done. Not only is the timing off, but they occur in moments that do not make sense, such as in the prologue, where two of the main characters are seen sneaking across the border to the United States. The jump scares in this series are usually limited to when the “purging” takes place, but in this scene, there is no indication that there is any threat of any kind waiting for them. In fact, most of this scene feels less like one from a Purge movie and more like one from a lesser Conjuring film, also produced by Blumhouse. Perhaps this would have benefitted from having James Wan as a director, for he would have probably knocked it right out of the park.

As far as the other filmmaking aspects are concerned (acting, violence, cinematography, etc.), they are as adequate as any other film in the Purge series. The film does get the job done, but aside from the previously mentioned skinhead character, there is not much that happens in the film to match the possibilities that the premise suggests. Sad, but fitting for the Purge series as a whole.

So where does this film rank amongst the other entries in the series? It is certainly not as boring and flimsy as the first Purge film (not to be confused with the 4th film and prequel, titled The First Purge), but doesn’t quite have the same interesting characters as Anarchy and Election Year. So somewhere in the middle along with The First Purge. The marketing has stated that this will be the final entry in Purge series, but as the premise, as well as the ending, suggest, it is never truly over. So audiences can more or less anticipate another Purge movie in the coming years. As long as there is corruption, there will always be anger…and sequels.

BlumhouseMichael BayPoliticalThe Forever PurgeThe PurgeThe Purge: AnarchyThe Purge: Election Yearviolence
0 comments 0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Jake King

previous post
Tethys Art Tantalizes the Senses With Stunning New Exhibit
next post
Exclusive: “Blackish” Star Marsai Martin Talks Invisalign ChangeMakers Program

Related Posts

Angel Ball Toasts Upcoming Gala with Launch Bash

October 1, 2025

2025 Teen Vogue Summit Recap: Full of Fun,...

September 30, 2025

“Jay Kelly” — It’s a Hell of a...

September 29, 2025

San Sebastián Film Festival: A Review

September 29, 2025

Brother Magazine’s Style Kings NYFW Party: Celebrating Black...

September 28, 2025

Daniel Day-Lewis Talks Pushing Aside His Pride to...

September 27, 2025

P1Harmony Breaks Down ‘EX,’ Spanish Version, Dream Night...

September 27, 2025

Julia Roberts Jokes That Andrew Garfield is Her...

September 27, 2025

Hot Ones Celebrates Ten Years of Star Studded...

September 26, 2025

4th Annual 1 World Festival Brings Community Together...

September 26, 2025

Digital Cover No. 19

The Knockturnal Merch

Follow Us On The Gram

theknockturnal

Lifestyle. Music. Entertainment.
Info@theknockturnal.com
New Cover Out Now ⬇️

Visit the @Complex x @Aepsa_official Pop-Up for ‘Rich Man’ in LA with The Knockturnal! ✨

From exclusive merch and photo cards to signatures and more — ~ 100% worth the visit 

⏰ Sept 16–17 | 11 AM – 7 PM PT
📍 433 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

#Aespa #Complex #RichMan #KPopMerch #AespaInLA #KPopFans #Kpop #Karina #Giselle #Winter #NingNing
NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet tr NYFW magic ✨ @aliceandolivia by Stacey Bendet transformed the runway into a dazzling celebration of bold prints, playful silhouettes, and timeless style. From Surrogate’s Court to the city streets, the collection truly captured the spirit of the modern woman. 💄

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/stars-stripes-and-alice-olivia-by-stacey-bendet/

✍️: ElizaBeth Taylor

-
#NYFW #AliceAndOlivia #StaceyBendet #RunwayStyle #FashionWeek
Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cook Some things are just a perfect match—milk & cookies, Oreos & a cold glass of milk… and @nickbarrotta on the red carpet celebrating 30 years of the iconic milk mustache. 🥛🍪

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #GotMilk #NickBarrotta #TylerPerrysTheOval #MilkMustache
On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferg On the red carpet, Stranger Things star @priahferguson spoke with us at the @gotmilk 30th Anniversary Milk Mustache Celebration, where the campaign unveiled its bold new focus on everyday Californians as the real icons. 🥛✨

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/got-milk-celebrates-30-years-with-stars-and-everyday-californians/

✍️&🎤: Ashley Lopez

-
#GotMilk30 #PriahFerguson #StrangerThings #MilkMustache #RedCarpet #GotMilk
First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turn First-time nominees dominated the 77th Emmys, turning the spotlight on breakout stars and fresh wins. 🎬🥇✨

Read about the rising talent redefining televisions biggest night.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/emmy-awards/

✍️: Danielle Biondi

-
#Emmys #Emmy #EmmyAwards #Emmys2025 #EmmyWinner #Film #AwardWinning #AwardSeason
We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with We had the honor of celebrating VMAs weekend with @bacardi and @mtv! 💫
History met history last night 🗽🎬✨ The Ha History met history last night 🗽🎬✨

The Hamilton movie premiere transformed the Delacorte Theater into a stage of its own, as the original cast and creative team reunited to celebrate a story that changed Broadway forever. From the first note to the final bow, the revolution continues. 🎭📜

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/under-the-stars-at-the-delacorte-theater-hamilton-premiere-original-cast-in-attendance/

✍️: Lauren Wire

-
#Hamilton #Broadway #HamiltonMovie #DelacorteTheater #LinManuelMiranda #BroadwayLegends #StageToScreen #MusicalTheater
✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @dis ✨ Disney magic meets coffee culture ☕🐭 @disneyfamily x @lalalandkindcafe are serving up the sweetest collab of the season — from Mickey drink sleeves to Munchlings surprises 🎁 Don’t miss it before it’s gone Sept. 16!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/mickey-friends-bring-whimsy-to-la-la-land-kind-cafe/

✍️: Ashley Lopez 

-
#Disney #LaLaLandKindCafe #DisneyCollab #DisneyMagic #CoffeeLovers #MickeyAndFriends #DisneyFoodies
From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan ev From @iamcardib undeniable reign to @wutangclan everlasting impact, the 2025 Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Power Players Awards celebrated the artists and executives shaping the culture today. 🎤🎸💥

With honorees like @leonthomas and @gelo alongside hip-hop’s legends, the night was a reminder that the genre’s future is just as powerful as its past. 🤩

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/cardi-b-leon-thomas-gelo-wu-tang-clan-more-honored-at-2025-billboard-rb-hip-hop-power-players-awards/

✍️: Nishat Baig

-
#Billboard #RnB #HipHop #PowerPlayers #CardiB #WuTangClan #LeonThomas #Gelo #RnBMusic #HipHopCulture #MusicAwards
PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this tim PSA!!! We have another #knockgiveaway and this time it’s for tickets to see LU KALA 💥

We’re giving away a pair of tickets to see her at Mercury Lounge in New York City on September 10th! Join us as we dance the night away to some of her top hits like Pretty Girl Era and Hotter Now 🎶

To enter hit the link 🔗 in our bio and fill out the form. Winners will be contacted through email! 

📍MUST BE IN NEW YORK CITY
🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin 🎶 From EXO standout to solo powerhouse, @zkdlin brought charisma, control, and creativity to every second of his Shrine set.

Kai On Tour gave fans in LA a front-row seat to his evolution as an artist, and it was nothing short of iconic. 👏

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/kai-on/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-

#KaiOnTour #KAI #KAIatTheShrine #KpopInLA #EXO #KpopSoloist #KpopConcert #KAI2025 #ShrineLA
🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with 🗞️ Extra, extra! Go inside the newsroom with “The Paper” — the sharp new workplace comedy making headlines. 🖋️ We sat down with the cast + creators in an exclusive video interview to talk inspiration, improv, and bringing chaos to the copy desk. 🎬✨

📺 Watch the full interview now 

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/the-paper-puts-a-newsroom-spin-on-classic-workplace-comedy/

✍️: Alyssa Threadgill

-

#ThePaper #VideoInterview #WorkplaceComedy #BehindTheScenes #IndieTV #ComedySeries #CastInterview #OnSet #TVTalk #MakingTheShow #WritersRoom #BTS #NewSeries
🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Steal 🎥✨ Austin Butler and the cast of Caught Stealing open up about stepping into this gritty new story, the challenges on set, and why this film is unlike anything they’ve done before.

Catch our exclusive video interview now!

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/austin-butler-cast-talk-new-movie-caught-stealing-video/

✍️: OJ Williams

-
#AustinButler #CaughtStealing #MovieInterview #ExclusiveInterview #FilmFeature #BehindTheScenes #Hollywood #OnSet #NewMovies #EditorialContent #CastInterview
Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in Vegas was just crowned the No. 1 nightlife spot in the world. We put our detective skills to work at @resortsworldlv to see if it lives up to the hype 🎰 🪩🥂💃🕺

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #resortsworld #hilton #sliving #zoox #zouk #stubbornseed #alle #nightlife #vegas #elderbrook
When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospita When French comfort food, @marthastewart48 hospitality, and @parisvegas combine you get @thebedfordbymarthastewart 🇫🇷🤤 Our recent trip to the legendary homemaker’s restaurant in Las Vegas had us positively stuffed.

Read the full review on our website ✍️ 

#lasvegas #marthastewart #thebedfordbymarthastewart #parislasvegas #frenchfood
@zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiO @zkdlin performs ‘Mhmm’ at his solo tour #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
@zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn @zkdlin performs ‘Rover’ 🚗⚠️ at #KaiOn in Los Angeles ✨ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his firs A @weareone.exo throwback from @zkdlin at his first ever solo tour, #KaiOn 🐺✨ This is ‘Growl’ 

Full Concert Review Coming Soon… ✍️

#Kai #Kpop #KpopConcert #Exo
🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group ma 🎶 Meet @hitgs_offcl — the K-Pop girl group making waves at KCON 2025. In our exclusive, they open up about growth, music, and their U.S. debut story.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/hitgs/

✍️: Emma Salehi

-
#HITGS #KCON2025 #KPopGroup #RisingStars #KPopOnStage #KPopInTheUS #GlobalStage #KPopExclusive #MusicAndCulture #NextGenKPop
📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s fl 📍 Culture has a new home. Complex x ESPN’s flagship opening blended sport, sound, and style into an experience that set the tone for what comes next.

🔗: https://theknockturnal.com/complex-x-espn-flagship-grand-opening-a-night-of-style-sports-and-sounds/

✍️: Winnie Ren

-
#ComplexxESPN #FlagshipOpening #Complex #ESPN
Follow on Instagram

About The Site

We are a collective of creative tastemakers made up of fashion, music and entertainment industry insiders. It’s all about access. You want it. We have it.

Terms Of Use

Privacy Policy

Meet The Team

CONTACT US

For general inquiries and more info on The Knockturnal, please contact our staff at:
info@theknockturnal.com
fashion@theknockturnal.com
advertising@theknockturnal.com
editorial@theknockturnal.com
beauty@theknockturnal.com

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin
  • Youtube

© Copyright - The Knockturnal | Developed by CI Design + Media

The Knockturnal
  • Home
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Lifestyle
  • News
  • Videos
  • Covers
  • Merch