Of the modern horror franchises that have come about over the last decade or so, none have been as promising as The Purge. Sure, the first Insidious is great, and The Conjuring, it's off-shot, is pretty strong all things tolled, but Insidious 2 was a disappointment and the less said about Insidious 3, the better. The Purge began with a sharp concept, executed with style if not focus, and The Purge: Anarchy, it's sequel, improved by anchoring the story in the chaos of the titular street war and finding a thrilling lead in Frank Grillo, who will next be seen as the deadly Crossbones in Captain America: Civil War. So, fingers crossed for the third installment in the franchise, Election Year, which will focus on Grillo as the protector of a progressive presidential candidate who wants to end the annual massacring, played by Elizabeth Mitchell.

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Image via Universal/Blumhouse

The latest TV spot for the film takes a funny twist on the material, portrayed as an election campaign commercial where patriotic Americans proudly state that "I Purged" to show their appreciation for their country and its freedoms. This film could actually be pretty radical in its view on America's acceptance for and addiction to violence, and how any criticism of our national bloodlust is often met with even more hostility. I'm not counting on director-writer James DeMonaco to take things too far into the political waters, but you never know. Check out the TV spot right below:


Here's the official synopsis for The Purge: Election Year:

Expanding the universe introduced in the hit franchise that electrified the culture and earned $200 million at the worldwide box office, Universal Pictures’ The Purge: Election Year reveals the next terrifying chapter that occurs over 12 hours of annual lawlessness sanctioned by the New Founders of America to keep this country great.

 

It’s been two years since Leo Barnes (Frank Grillo) stopped himself from a regrettable act of revenge on Purge Night.  Now serving as head of security for Senator Charlie Roan (Elizabeth Mitchell), his mission is to protect her in a run for president and survive the annual ritual that targets the poor and innocent.  But when a betrayal forces them onto the streets of D.C. on the one night when no help is available, they must stay alive until dawn…or both be sacrificed for their sins against the state.

 

Once again returning to collaborate with franchise creator James DeMonaco on The Purge: Election Year are the series’ producers: Blumhouse Productions’ Jason Blum (Insidious and Ouija series, The Visit), Platinum Dunes partners Michael Bay, Brad Fuller and Andrew Form (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Ouija series, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre), and writer/director DeMonaco’s longtime production partner, Sébastien K. Lemercier (Assault on Precinct 13, Four Lovers).


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Image via Universal Pictures
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Image via Universal/Blumhouse