"The Purge: Anarchy" was spurred by U.S. gun violence

Another Purge is beginning.

A follow-up to its 2013 sleeper hit predecessor, "The Purge: Anarchy" takes a broader look at what would happen if all crime, including murder, was made legal in the U.S. for one night.

Frank Grillo and Carmen Ejogo lead a cast of innocents trying to survive the melee around them in downtown Los Angles on the night of the Purge.

Michael K. Williams plays a rebel trying to put an end to the national ritual.

Screenwriter and director James DeMonaco, the same filmmaker behind the first "Purge" film, said that the concept came from the many headlines in recent years about school shootings and other killing sprees.

"I'm terrified of guns, and I think [the idea for 'The Purge'] was born from that," DeMonaco said in a recent interview with CBS News. "I think we have a very unique relationship with guns and violence."

"I hope people can see [the film] on two levels, maybe they'll think about our relationship with violence and guns," the filmmaker added.

"For me, the film has an anti-violent message about how bizarre violence is," said Grillo, who plays a vigilante obsessed with seeking vengeance over the murder of his son during a previous Purge.

Williams and Ejogo shared similar views about the film's message, as seen above in the video at the top of this story.

"The Purge: Anarchy" is now playing in theaters.