‘Trigger Warning’ (2024) - Review

 

Directed by: Mouly Surya
Written by: John Brancato, Josh Olson, Halley Gross
Produced by: Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Esther Hornstein
Starring: Jessica Alba, Anthony Michael Hall
Cinematography: Zoë White
Edited by: Chris Tonick, Robert Grigsby Wilson
Music by: Enis Rotthoff
Production Companies: Thunder Road Films, Lady Spitfire
Distributed by: Netflix
Release Date: June 21, 2024
Country: United States
Language: English

Plot Summary: "Trigger Warning" follows a special forces commando, played by Jessica Alba, who returns to her hometown after her father's sudden death. Upon investigating his death, she discovers a complex web involving a violent gang and a significant arms deal syndicate. With the help of her former teammates, she delves deeper into the mystery, leading to a series of confrontations and revelations.

Performance:

• Jessica Alba: As the lead, Jessica Alba delivers a solid performance, bringing a mix of vulnerability and strength to her role. Her portrayal of a determined commando adds depth to the character.
• Anthony Michael Hall: His performance is commendable, providing a strong supporting role that complements Alba’s character well.

Technical Aspects:

• Direction: Mouly Surya’s direction is competent, though it struggles to elevate the film beyond its standard action-drama tropes.
• Cinematography: Zoë White’s cinematography is visually appealing, capturing the intensity and mood of the film effectively.
• Editing: The editing by Chris Tonick and Robert Grigsby Wilson is decent, though some action sequences could have benefited from a tighter cut to maintain pace.
• Music: Enis Rotthoff’s score supports the film’s atmosphere but does not stand out as particularly memorable.

Strengths:

• Lead Performance: Jessica Alba’s performance is a highlight, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
• Visuals: The cinematography is well-done, with effective use of lighting and composition to enhance the storytelling.

Weaknesses:

• Weak Plot: The storyline is predictable and lacks originality. The narrative follows a conventional path without introducing fresh elements to the genre.
• Subpar Action Sequences: The action scenes are underwhelming, often feeling slow and lacking the necessary intensity to engage the audience fully.
• Pacing: The film’s pacing is inconsistent, with many scenes dragging unnecessarily, reducing the overall impact.

Personal Take: "Trigger Warning" is an action drama that centers on a female protagonist, which is a refreshing change. However, the film fails to deliver a compelling narrative or engaging action sequences. The plot is overly familiar, and the execution does not add any significant value to the genre. Jessica Alba's performance is commendable, but it is not enough to save the film from its shortcomings. The action scenes, crucial for this genre, are particularly disappointing due to their slow pacing and lack of excitement.

Overall, "Trigger Warning" is a mediocre film that misses the mark in several key areas. While it has potential with its premise and lead performance, it ultimately falls short due to its weak plot and subpar action execution.

The film is a missed opportunity in the action-drama genre, relying too heavily on clichés and failing to deliver the necessary thrills and originality. It may appeal to fans of Jessica Alba but is unlikely to satisfy those looking for a high-quality action film.

Rating: 1.5/5