‹ All movies

The Rewatchables · March 7, 2023

The Purge

host Bill Simmons host Chris Ryan producer Craig Horlbeck

What aged best: The premise
Weakest link: The son who unlocks the house
What aged worst: Mary’s wig and characterization

All 32 categories

Just one Oscar Ethan Hawke
Dion Waiters Award Grace
“That Guy” Award Chris Mulkey

Most Rewatchable Scene · 22:51

The playroom fight

Bill Simmons: The opening credits are praised while the source of the apparent news footage remains uncertain.

Bill Simmons: The kid turning off the alarm and opening the door prompts repeated warnings not to do it.

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson · 1:17:39

Keep strangers out

Bill Simmons: Do not let anyone in the house during the purge; build a bunker in the basement and go to bed. Another response refuses to go to bed.

The film

The Purge (2013)

Directed by James DeMonaco · Horror

IMDb Letterboxd Find on JustWatch Rotten Tomatoes

Cast

Selected cast credits · Film reference

Ethan Hawke James Sandin

Lena Headey Mary Sandin

Adelaide Kane Zoey Sandin

Max Burkholder Charlie Sandin

Edwin Hodge Bloody stranger

Everything from the episode

In the order the hosts got to it. Open a row for the discussion.

22:51

Most Rewatchable Scene

The playroom fight

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 00:22:51Read transcript

The opening credits are praised while the source of the apparent news footage remains uncertain. — Bill Simmons
The kid turning off the alarm and opening the door prompts repeated warnings not to do it. — Bill Simmons
The polite psycho showing up at the door and then killing his friend escalate the threat. — Chris Ryan
Catching the stranger and the invaders breaking in are nominations before the playroom fight is emphatically chosen. — Bill Simmons
The pool-table fight’s physical impacts and unusual room make it especially effective; more scenes of that quality are desired. — Bill Simmons
The neighbor betrayal and the stranger’s rescue are additional scenes; both hosts reaffirm the playroom fight. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Most Rewatchable Scene answers

28:16

What’s Aged the Best?

The premise; future-setting graphics; gun cabinets; 85-minute runtime; “Release the beast”; refrigerator reveals

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 00:28:16Read transcript

The one-sentence legal-crime premise is compared with Carpenter films and 48 Hours. — Bill Simmons
Opening future-setting graphics work well, and passing the predicted dystopian date is satisfying. — Bill Simmons
A hypothetical Donald Trump presidential cameo is imagined as a striking missed coincidence. — Bill Simmons
Secret-code gun cabinets are praised, though the children were not trained and weapon-class restrictions are unexplained. — Bill Simmons
The concise 85-minute runtime is preferred to long modern films or a Purge television series. — Chris Ryan
Release the beast and the other ritual slogans are memorable; refrigerator-door surprise shots remain effective. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Best? answers

34:40

The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink

Mary’s wine; the no-carb dinner

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:34:40Read transcript

The giant wine glass is nominated. — Bill Simmons
A no-carb meal on Purge night is mocked; comfort food might be more appropriate unless staying light on one’s feet matters. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More The Big Kahuna Burger Award for Best Use of Food and Drink answers

35:24

The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot

Surveillance-camera footage

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:35:24Read transcript

The child’s surveillance screens and the stranger’s approach make effective use of security-camera images. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More The Great Shot Gordo Award for Most Cinematic Shot answers

35:34

Mallory Rubin Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Sex Scene?

More of Grace’s private life

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:35:34Read transcript

A better sex scene is desired, but a teenage scene has limits and a parental quickie is floated. — Bill Simmons
A sexual scene establishing Grace as unhinged is proposed; leaving the family’s viewpoint is challenged, prompting a neighbor-window alternative. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Mallory Rubin Award: Did This Movie Need a Better Sex Scene? answers

36:56

The Vincent Chase Award: Are We Sure This Character Is Actually Good at Their Job?

The alarm-system salesman

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:36:56Read transcript

The security system fails its first sustained attack and seems ornamental; no police response is available during the purge. — Bill Simmons
Arson could defeat the fortifications, and the lack of fire is questioned. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More The Vincent Chase Award: Are We Sure This Character Is Actually Good at Their Job? answers

37:57

The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film

The son who unlocks the house

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:37:57Read transcript

The son is the weakest link for opening the alarm; the daughter is also called foolish. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Butch’s Girlfriend Award for the Weakest Link in the Film answers

38:12

The Cliff Booth Award: Is This Movie Better if the Main Character Had a Pet?

Yes: a dog

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:38:12Read transcript

An endangered dog outside would better motivate opening the house, and could later attack Grace; the robot is called a substitute for a pet. — Bill Simmons
Amityville Horror’s return to rescue a dog is offered as a comparison. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Cliff Booth Award: Is This Movie Better if the Main Character Had a Pet? answers

39:51

What’s Aged the Worst?

Mary’s wig and characterization; Zoe; the former novelty of Hawke in horror

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 00:39:51Read transcript

The wig looks cheap, and the character lacks depth despite the performer’s ability; social anxiety about the neighbor party could have helped. — Chris Ryan
The shock of Hawke in this genre has faded; the short production schedule and inability to leave the house are discussed as limits that also create claustrophobia. — Bill Simmons
Zoe is criticized for ignoring her boyfriend’s obvious threatening behavior on Purge night, compared with Scream’s boyfriend trope. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More What’s Aged the Worst? answers

44:25

The Ron Burgundy Flute Award for the Best Time for a Pee Break

The opening ten minutes; the robot-camera sequence

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:44:25Read transcript

The opening and lengthy robot exploration are nominated; the latter feels less suspenseful at home than in a theater. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More The Ron Burgundy Flute Award for the Best Time for a Pee Break answers

45:02

Is There a Better Title for This Movie?

The Purge

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:45:02Read transcript

Release the Beast is suggested but the original title is favored. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Is There a Better Title for This Movie? answers

45:16

The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie

“We are going to play the rest of this night out in motherfucking peace.”

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:45:16Read transcript

Both hosts choose the final insistence on spending the rest of the night in peace. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Neil McCauley “A Book about Metals” Award for Best Line from the Movie answers

45:16

The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award

No settled take

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:45:16Read transcript

A joking request for credit for earlier felony-land and leap-year concepts gives way to the view that the movie is itself a hot take. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Stephen A. Smith Hottest Take Award answers

45:43

Casting What-Ifs

No alternatives located

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:45:43Read transcript

No casting alternatives were found. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Casting What-Ifs answers

46:04

The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award

Lena Headey; the interrupting purger

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:46:04Read transcript

One selection favors the wife’s performer; another favors the masked purger who shouts and is shot by his leader. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More The Ruffalo / Hanna / Rubinek / Partridge Overacting Award answers

46:58

The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award

Chris Mulkey

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:46:58Read transcript

Chris Mulkey wins the that-guy award, prompting a joke about calling it the Chris Mulkey award. — Bill Simmons
A long supporting career is traced through The White Shadow, First Blood, 48 Hours, Dreamscape, Runaway, Twin Peaks, Broken Arrow and The Fan; steady work and 258 credits prompt financial speculation. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Joey Pants “That Guy” Award answers

50:43

The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance

Grace

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 00:50:43Read transcript

The crazy neighbor is the easy selection, with the table-face-smash singled out; the son’s actor is explicitly rejected and his college acceptance discussed. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Dion Waiters Award for Best Heat Check Performance answers

51:20

Recasting Couch

Jessica Chastain; Keri Russell; Laura Linney; Sandra Bullock; Sydney Sweeney; Emilia Clarke; Rose Leslie

In the discussion (2)

Approx. transcript time · 00:51:20Read transcript

Sydney Sweeney is proposed for a modern Zoe; 2013 replacements for the wife include Jessica Chastain and other proposed actresses, with agreement that the part needs more material. — Bill Simmons
A modern version leaves Sweeney between age groups; Emilia Clarke and Rose Leslie are alternatives for the mother. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Recasting Couch answers

53:05

Half-Assed Internet Research

Manson influence; Hawke’s backend deal; Halloween attractions; Grace’s stare; Chatsworth house; divided reviews

In the discussion (4)

Approx. transcript time · 00:53:05Read transcript

The white-dressed killers reportedly draw on Manson followers; Hawke’s upfront fee is stated as $3,000 with backend compensation. — Bill Simmons
The film became a Halloween Horror Nights scare zone and later a maze. — Bill Simmons
Grace reportedly does not blink during the climactic scene; the filming house is located in Chatsworth. — Bill Simmons
The director’s affection for films with middling Rotten Tomatoes averages becomes a defense of provocative genre movies. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More Half-Assed Internet Research answers

57:21

Apex Mountain

Ethan Hawke; Lena Headey

In the discussion (6)

Approx. transcript time · 00:57:21Read transcript

Hawke’s 2012–14 run is proposed over the earlier Training Day choice, stressing original projects and upcoming Boyhood. — Bill Simmons
Home-invasion films favor The Strangers instead. — Bill Simmons
Lena Headey receives a yes because she leads a successful movie while Thrones becomes a phenomenon. — Bill Simmons
Blumhouse’s peak is placed later with Get Out and the Halloween revival; this period is its ascendance. — Bill Simmons
Pre-Trump political commentary and bizarre evil boyfriends are raised without a settled affirmative answer; more Henry material is desired. — Chris Ryan
Anger at listener movie complaints is jokingly proposed as another Apex. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Apex Mountain answers

1:01:54

Best Race Horse Name from This Movie

Release the Beast; The Purge

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:01:54Read transcript

Both names are supported, with The Purge preferred to plain Purge. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Best Race Horse Name from This Movie answers

1:02:05

Picking Nits

Condiment-filled refrigerator; home defense; boyfriend rewrite; casual timing; Henry’s plan

In the discussion (5)

Approx. transcript time · 01:02:05Read transcript

The refrigerator appears stocked mainly with ketchup and mustard, attributed speculatively to the small budget. — Chris Ryan
The alarm salesman’s wealth is questioned; an underground shelter would make more sense than a home extension. — Bill Simmons
The director reportedly originally had the daughter threaten the father, but the studio required the less convincing boyfriend rewrite. — Bill Simmons
The family’s casual loss of time before lockdown is implausible. — Chris Ryan
Henry’s expectation of a continuing relationship after killing Zoe’s father makes no sense, and his older-boyfriend behavior is troubling. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More Picking Nits answers

1:05:53

Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake

All formats already attempted

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:05:53Read transcript

The franchise is said to cover every category format, prompting a joke about renaming the category The Full Purge. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Sequel, Prequel, Limited Series, or All-Black Remake answers

1:07:17

Is This Movie Better With…?

Wayne Jenkins

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:07:17Read transcript

A dinner guest or confrontation with Grace gives Wayne Jenkins an imagined role. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Is This Movie Better With…? answers

1:08:07

Just One Oscar

Ethan Hawke

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:08:07Read transcript

The lead is the default selection, with Grace suggested for supporting actress. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Just One Oscar answers

1:08:26

Probably Unanswerable Questions

Crime rules; aftermath; hospitals; economics; government; workplace incentives; escape by plane

In the discussion (9)

Approx. transcript time · 01:08:26Read transcript

The limits of legal crime and the contrast between victimizing disadvantaged people and settling personal grudges are questioned. — Bill Simmons
The killers’ arousal is questioned, and overwhelmed hospitals or morgues are imagined. — Bill Simmons
The security company’s reviews and the policy’s claimed effectiveness are challenged; the one-percent statistic is corrected from crime to unemployment. — Chris Ryan
Glass, doors, hoses and security could be profitable businesses in this society. — Bill Simmons
Democratic approval versus imposed policy is questioned; later films’ Staten Island pilot is recalled. — Chris Ryan
Time off for cleanup, social norms, fantasy leagues and betting are imagined. — Chris Ryan
Managers could be targets, discouraging promotion or enabling professional advancement; this could support a new television version. — Bill Simmons
Leaving by the back door is suggested but the surrounding attackers and unsafe streets make escape difficult. — Chris Ryan
A long international flight raises questions about airline prohibitions, pilots and American airspace; an airplane-set sequel is proposed. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Probably Unanswerable Questions answers

1:15:48

Best Double Feature

The Purge: Anarchy

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:15:48Read transcript

The sequel is the choice, with Frank Grillo’s performance praised and compared to Kingdom and Copshop. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More Best Double Feature answers

1:17:09

The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day?

Cleanup and tense encounters

The panel is imagining how this might look in the future.

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:17:09Read transcript

Several days of cleanup and running into a failed victim at children’s activities are the forecast. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Andy and Red – Zihuatanejo Award for What Happens the Next Day? answers

1:17:20

What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie?

The nine ball; the leader’s mask

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:17:20Read transcript

The pool ball and leader’s mask are the choices, though the mask lacks an obvious occasion for use. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More What Piece of Memorabilia Would You Want From This Movie? answers

1:17:39

The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson

Keep strangers out; build a bunker

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:17:39Read transcript

Do not let anyone in the house during the purge; build a bunker in the basement and go to bed. Another response refuses to go to bed. — Bill Simmons

Share this discussion More The Coach Finstock Award for Best Life Lesson answers

1:18:17

Who Won the Movie?

Blumhouse; Ethan Hawke

In the discussion (1)

Approx. transcript time · 01:18:17Read transcript

Blumhouse is selected; another speaker had intended Hawke for his pay and performance but acknowledges Blumhouse’s breakthrough. — Bill Simmons

Podcast choices

Bill Simmons: Blumhouse

Share this discussion More Who Won the Movie? answers

1:18:36

Producer review

Better than expected; effective 85-minute confinement

In the discussion (3)

Approx. transcript time · 01:18:36Read transcript

After Craig is invited to react, the discussion proposes staged Purge sports and acknowledges that spectators would also be at risk. — Chris Ryan
The reaction is more positive than expected despite the genre not being a favorite, praising the short runtime and confined setting as a twisted Home Alone. — Chris Ryan
The stranger’s presence is framed as a trolley problem, provoking competing responses about family protection and letting him stay. — Chris Ryan

Share this discussion More Producer review answers

More from the conversation

The premise combines one legal-crime night with relentless home invasion, recalling Escape from New York and Assault on Precinct 13.

Approx. transcript time · 00:02:46Read transcript

Ethan Hawke’s early-2010s career resurgence and Blumhouse profit-participation model frame the production.

Approx. transcript time · 00:04:16Read transcript

The premise reportedly followed a road-rage incident and a remark by the director’s wife; Blumhouse provided a small production budget.

Approx. transcript time · 00:06:05Read transcript

The confined low-budget setting makes the Hollywood narrative rules feel uncertain and the fictional society invites economic and logistical questions.

Approx. transcript time · 00:07:53Read transcript

The filmmakers’ gun-control interpretation prompts disagreement about original intent, later political resonance and horror as a socially predictive genre.

Approx. transcript time · 00:09:37Read transcript

Earlier joking leap-day and simulated-crime amusement-park proposals are compared with the premise, without claiming authorship.

Approx. transcript time · 00:13:02Read transcript

Grand Theft Auto provides a comparison for the fantasy of escaping social rules.

Approx. transcript time · 00:14:27Read transcript

The franchise’s sequels, television run and disturbing masks are discussed alongside The Strangers and Funny Games.

Approx. transcript time · 00:15:42Read transcript

The small budget and reported financial success are contrasted with the wooden opening; Hawke’s perceived taste lends credibility distinct from a conventional action hero.

Approx. transcript time · 00:17:47Read transcript

Dedicated film channels and television marathons are praised as effortless rewatching routes.

Approx. transcript time · 00:19:47Read transcript

Unusual fight settings prompt comparisons with garages, saunas, spas and churches.

Approx. transcript time · 00:26:23Read transcript

A Purge-night broadcast with sports-style pregame analysis is imagined.

Approx. transcript time · 00:31:35Read transcript

Questions about safe states and international escape lead to a debate over surviving alone or with family; Craig is explicitly invited to answer and prefers being alone.

Approx. transcript time · 00:42:36Read transcript

The hosts defend varied episode choices and maintaining a few major films for future coverage; Country Strong was chosen partly for its larger career discussion.

Approx. transcript time · 00:55:15Read transcript

An imagined NBA purge night expands into commissioner and television-panel impressions.

Approx. transcript time · 01:04:15Read transcript

The hypothetical sports purge returns with league publicity, player absences and generational complaints.

Approx. transcript time · 01:06:15Read transcript

Frank Grillo is described as friendly and upbeat in a personal school-family acquaintance, contrasting with his screen roles.

Approx. transcript time · 01:16:24Read transcript