Director: Brian Johnson
Writers: Brian Johnson, Toby Osborne
Stars: S. Lamar Wilson, Peter Holland, Lyndsey Soto, Rebecca DeRienzo, Ameerah Briggs
Release Date: July 9, 2024 (United States)
Country of Origin: United States
Filming Locations: Nakina, North Carolina, USA (Panic Attack Haunted Park)
Production Company: 1130 Media Group
Runtime: 1 hour 24 minutes
Storyline
As part of a drastic depopulation effort, a sinister government program in a dystopian future poisons the blood of millions of people. The only people who make it out alive are the fearless granddaughter Maya (Lyndsey Soto) and her eccentric grandfather Onslow (S. Lamar Wilson), who both have a rare resistance to the poison. They are relentlessly pursued as the government’s deadly scheme comes to fruition by vicious, bloodthirsty scalpers and a desperate official named Malcolm (Peter Holland), who is obsessed with rescuing his own son. Onslow and Maya must rely on their cunning and resourcefulness to get by in the midst of the mayhem and reveal the truth about the horrifying program.
Reviews
User Reviews
Rating: 9/10
“The action in Population Purge starts quickly and maintains a steady pace. The dynamic between Maya and her grandfather adds emotional depth to the high-octane scenes. For a debut film, the creators did an impressive job. The unique locations and intense action scenes make it a memorable watch. Looking forward to a sequel to answer lingering questions. The film’s R-rating for violence is justified, but it’s free from excessive sexual content.”
Critic Reviews
Rating: 5.8/10
Population Purge is an exciting thriller with a compelling idea, but its execution falls short. A strong foundation is created by Wilson and Soto’s outstanding performances and the action-packed scenes. Nevertheless, there are moments when the plot seems disconnected, and there is little character development. The film makes an ambitious but haphazard attempt to examine societal issues through a dystopian lens.
Characters
Onslow (S. Lamar Wilson): An eccentric, resourceful grandfather who becomes a reluctant hero in the fight for survival. His knowledge and experience are crucial in navigating the chaos.
Maya (Lyndsey Soto): Onslow’s fearless granddaughter who is determined to protect her grandfather and uncover the truth behind the government’s actions. Her bravery and quick thinking are central to their survival.
Charlie (Peter Holland): A government official driven by personal motives. His quest to save his son leads him to clash with Onslow and Maya, adding a layer of moral ambiguity to his character.
Naomi (Rebecca DeRienzo): A skilled fighter and ally who helps Onslow and Maya navigate the dangers posed by the scalpers.
Jade (Ameerah Briggs): A mysterious figure with her own agenda, whose paths intersect with the protagonists’ journey.
Box-Office Collection
Opening Weekend: $12 million
Total Gross (Domestic): $45 million
Total Gross (International): $15 million
Total Gross (Worldwide): $60 million