Population Purge

Population Purge is an intriguing gem that exceeds expectations for a low-budget independent film. Given its constraints, the film manages to deliver a surprisingly engaging experience that's worth your time.

From the outset, the movie hits the ground running, with a brisk pace that maintains momentum throughout. The narrative doesn't dawdle, ensuring that viewers remain engaged with the unfolding drama. One of the film's standout features is its cast. With a roster of fresh faces, seeing new talent take center stage was refreshing. The dynamic between Charlie and Maya is especially noteworthy. Charlie in particular emerged as a delightful presence on screen, bringing a sense of genuine enjoyment to the role.

The interaction between the characters, notably between Maya and her grandfather, is charged with intensity, adding depth to the storyline. This film marks a promising debut for its creators, who have succeeded in crafting a unique and captivating piece of cinema. The locations are refreshingly unfamiliar, enhancing the film's appeal by breaking away from more conventional settings.

Priced at just $5.99, Population Purge offers a budget-friendly alternative to a night at the theater, making it a solid choice for movie enthusiasts looking for value. The film leaves room for a sequel, hinting at the potential for further exploration of its intriguing premise. Although the film is free of explicit content, it does include some violence and blood, making it more suited for a PG-13 rating.

The movie's 1 hour and 24 minutes running feels just right, providing a satisfying narrative without overstaying its welcome. The cinematography and wardrobe effectively capture the apocalyptic atmosphere, and the production design is commendable, adding to the film's immersive experience.

While the characters could benefit from more development, the film's achievement of winning Best Feature Under $250,000 at the 2023 International New York Film Festival is a testament to its quality and potential. The ending delivers a surprising twist, providing a memorable conclusion that leaves viewers pondering long after the credits roll.

In summary, Population Purge is a commendable effort that proves that compelling entertainment doesn't always require a blockbuster budget. It's proof of its creators' creativity and skill and a reminder to enjoy films for their pure, unadulterated entertainment value. For a fraction of the cost of big-budget films, this independent feature delivers an engaging and enjoyable experience.

Honorable Mentions: Maya's wardrobe, down to the dirt in her nails, was spot on. I enjoyed her visual presence along with her delivery. I wish we could've seen more of Charlie and Maya together against the world. The scene where Charlie and Maya are hanging out by the RV has got to be my favorite scene.

I'm not one to really leave reviews, but for some reason I find myself needing to say something about this movie. At first I thought it was a part of the Purge franchise, but after further viewing I realized it was something else entirely. Looking back now, I should've known based off the trailer and description, but I'll admit, I just saw the name and went running with it, so that's on me. I knocked off a couple of stars because I felt there were a few confusing moments that I could not get past, but for it being an independent movie, it stands on its own. It's refreshing to see new faces. I'm here for the underdogs. Everyone has to start somewhere and I have a feeling some of these faces will be going places. Like the person behind Maya. I really liked that character. I wish I got to see more of her and her grandfather. I'm can most definitely see that fireball going places. Perhaps the actor could be our new queer icon? I obviously don't know if the character Maya is queer, but she is definitely coded with something, and after doing some further investigating on the actor, August, I am excited to see a new face to our queer sea of entertainers. Something about them makes me want to keep watching. I hope to see them in more things. Population Purge was a fun movie to have playing in the background while making dinner. I'll say, it distracted me a couple of times. With a bigger budget who knows, maybe it could've been great.

In the ever-expanding universe of indie cinema, "Population Purge" shines bright, proving that sometimes, bigger isn't always better. Running a crisp 1 hour and 24 minutes, this film is perfect for those moments when you want a quick, yet engaging escape from reality.

"Population Purge" may feature a cast of new actors, but don't let their newcomer status fool you. The actors bring a contagious energy to the screen, driving an exhilarating narrative bound to captivate anyone with a taste for unique storytelling. The film's budget constraints are evident, but they only highlight the creativity and passion poured into every frame.

While "Population Purge" isn't a Hollywood blockbuster, it's not aiming to be. Instead, it's a charming indie effort that makes the most of its resources. The film's limited budget is a minor hurdle in the grand scheme of its entertainment value. This constraint only enhances its appeal, showing just how much can be accomplished with a creative spirit and a lot of heart.

It's a fun watch that has the potential to become a cult classic, and for that reason, it earns a solid 7 stars from me. I rate it for what I know it to be, an indie film. If you're in the mood for something fresh and off the beaten path, give this indie a spin!

The action in the movie starts pretty quickly and is evenly paced throughout the film. The interaction between the characters, especially Maya and her grandfather, can be quite intense. Considering this is the first film for the creators it was impressive. I have never seen any of the locations used and was unique to say the least. Rented the movie for only $5.99, which a lot less than going to the theater. The film itself could use a sequel to answer some unanswered questions. I would have rated the movie PG-13 for violence and blood. No sex or nudity in the film, only one scene where someone is smoking.

When I finished Population Purge, I was thoroughly impressed with the new actors. The fact that I have never seen any of them was a plus. It is getting mundane seeing the same actors over and over again. The length of the film was fine at 1hr24m. The cinematography and wardrobe were perfect for apocalyptic setting. The production design was on the money. I wish the characters had more development. One can only be impressed that it won Best Feature Under $250,000 at the 2023 International New York Film Festival. The ending was a complete surprise. Do not over analyze and enjoy it for what it is, pure entertainment. Dollar for dollar this was more entertaining than some of these multimillion-dollar movies.