This is the third in the Purge movie series, which depicts a horrific “future” America where an annual holiday known as The Purge is used to “cleanse” the people for the rest of the year. Basically, on Purge day, all laws are suspended for 12 hours and people just go around killing each other. Funny thing is, no one mentions anything about insider trading or tax fraud.

Election Year is almost entirely about Senator Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), who lost her entire family in a Purge, and has made it her mission to win the presidency and end the annual Purge. With a sudden twist in policy, no one is exempt from the Purge, not even government officials. Senator Roan’s security team, led by Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo), must scramble to fortify her home for the impending unknown of the deadly night. Leading in the presidential polls, it’s clear the senator will be targeted.

Another subplot involves a convenience store owner, Joe Dixon (Mykelti Williamson), who loses his Purge insurance due to rate increases and decides to do whatever it takes to save his shop from looters.

Of course, everything goes wrong with the senator and Leo must get her to safety with help from Joe and a Purge EMT, Laney Rucker (Betty Gabriel).

The blood and gore are definitely extreme. I like the relevance to the current state of the world, although that also adds a depressing element.

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