The purge takes place in future world in 2022 when American govermental has sanctioned an annual 12-hour period in which any and all criminal activity-including murder-becomes legal. James Sandin is a successful salesman that sells security systems for the houses. During the purge, James seals his house and plans to watch a movie with his family. However, Charlie-son of James sees a stranger fleeing from a group that is hunting him down and he disarms the security device and lets the man in. But the leader of the group gives an ultimatum to James: if he does not deliver the man to the group, they would kill the whole family. Now James has to find where the man is hidden and decide his fate..