Night Of Terror

Gerard Mcmurray Talks The First Purge

- Bryan Cairns

Nothing cuts through the quiet, barren streets like a blaring signal and a warning that begins with, “This is not a test. This is your emergency system announcing the commencement of the annual purge sanctioned by the U.S. government…”

Horror aficionados recognise that foreboding notification from the successful PURGE franchise.

The New Founding Fathers of America implemented a gruesome YEARly event during which citizens could express their anger and rage through any criminal activity – including murder – over 12 hours without fear of repercussion. Premiering in US cinemas on July 4th (July 6th for the UK), the newest chapter, THE FIRST PURGE, explores the origins of this sadistic tradition in a prequel to the other three films.

Burning SandS’ gerard McMurray helmed the latest instalment from a script by PurgE creator James deMonaco, who served as screenwriter and director for the previous movies, THE PURGE, THE PURGE: ANARCHY and THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR.

“i became involved with THE FIRST PURGE because James deMonaco wanted to go in a different direction with the franchise,” McMurray explains. “They wanted to reboot the franchise and bring in some fresh blood to give a different, nuanced take on this story. also, this is a prequel set primarily in the Black/Latino community, and James wanted to get a director that could bring an authentic feel to this story. i was already a fan of the franchise, so i was more than happy to come into THE PURGE world and give my own take on what i thought would be scary on Purge night.

“THE FIRST PURGE actually takes place in 2018,” he continues. “So, what was interesting for me was to be able to tell a contemporary story that was rooted in reality. given the political landscape in 2018, it was definitely a chance for me to make a contemporary film that would resonate with all audiences.”