Nightmare Cinema & The First Purge have been rated R

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

Two of the most anticipated horror films of 2019 have just received ratings via the MPAA. And as you can imagine, both have more than earned their keep. Yes, today we have word that both Blumhouse's THE FIRST PURGE and the Mickey Rourke-starring horror anthology NIGHTMARE CINEMA have booth been rated R.

THE FIRST PURGE has been rated R for "strong disturbing violence throughout, pervasive language, some sexuality and drug use." And NIGHTMARE CINEMA has been rated R for "horror violence/gore, grisly images, language, some sexuality, and brief nude images."

I have to say, both of the films have done their work to earn these ratings, am I right? From THE FIRST PURGE's "strong disturbing violence throughout" and NIGHTMARE CINEMA's "horror violence/gore, grisly images" this seems like two horror movies that will more than deliver once they hit later this year.

And speaking of which, Blumhouse's THE FIRST PURGE starring Marisa Tomei, Chyna Layne, Lex Scott Davis, Luna Lauren Velez, Melonie Diaz, Mo McRae, and Y'lan Noel, is set to hit us July 4th. Here's a plot rundown:

Behind every tradition lies a revolution.  Next Independence Day, witness the rise of our country’s 12 hours of annual lawlessness.  Welcome to the movement that began as a simple experiment: The First Purge.

To push the crime rate below one percent for the rest of the year, the New Founding Fathers of America (NFFA) test a sociological theory that vents aggression for one night in one isolated community.  But when the violence of oppressors meets the rage of the marginalized, the contagion will explode from the trial-city borders and spread across the nation.

And NIGHTMARE CINEMA, which will consist of segments directed by Mick Garris, Joe Dante, Alejandro Brugués, Ryûhei Kitamura, and David Slade (see below) has the following synopsis: 

A series of down-on-their-luck individuals enter the decrepit and spine-chilling Rialto theater, only to have their deepest and darkest fears brought to life on the silver screen by The Projectionist – a mysterious, ghostly figure who holds the nightmarish futures of all who attend his screenings. By the time our patrons realize the truth, escape is no longer an option. For once the ticket is torn, their fate is sealed at Nightmare Cinema.

The horror anthology will be having its premiere at this year's Fantasia International Film Festival in Montreal, which will start on July 12th and last until August 1st. Which film are you more excited about? Let us know!