‘Trigger Warning’ Review: Jessica Alba’s Supersoldier Battles Crime in a Stylish but Routine Netflix Action Flick

Netflix has developed a habit of releasing a barrage of average action movies in recent years, with titles like Red Notice, The Gray Man, and Jennifer Lopez’s action films such as The Mother and Atlas. The latest Jessica Alba’s new film, Trigger Warning, which looked promising, unfortunately, joins this trend. Despite its potential, it ends up being another watchable yet middle-of-the-road addition to Netflix’s action lineup.

Returning to film after a five-year hiatus, Jessica Alba brings her seasoned experience from roles in Dark Angel and Sin City. Adding to the film’s pedigree, Thunder Road, the production company behind it, is renowned for hits like John Wick and Sicario. However, despite all this talent, Trigger Warning doesn’t quite hit the mark. While the action is enjoyable and Alba showcases excellent combat skills, she’s a bona fide badass in this, the blend of action and mystery falls short, and I just didn’t care much for the central story at the film’s heart.

The film begins with Parker (Alba), a Special Forces commando, showcasing her skills by effortlessly taking down several terrorists in the Syrian desert. Her sense of honor is immediately highlighted when she fiercely confronts a fellow soldier who begins executing prisoners, stopping him with decisive force. Soon after, she’s forced to return home upon learning that her father has died in a mine cave-in, prompting her journey back to her small desert hometown.

Upon returning home, Parker’s apparent lack of grief over her father’s recent death, despite their close relationship, becomes increasingly apparent throughout the film. This becomes especially evident when she immediately springs into action, single-handedly thwarting a robbery where she subdues three assailants, one wielding an automatic weapon. Her expertise are clearly displayed not only in firearms but also in hand-to-hand combat and knife fighting.

As if that wasn’t enough for a ‘grieving’ daughter, Parker begins to suspect that her father’s death wasn’t accidental, suicidal, or the result of encroaching dementia as suggested by her former boyfriend-turned sheriff Jesse (Mark Webber). Her suspicions prove correct when she uncovers a criminal scheme involving the mine. She believes Jesse’s father, a conservative senator (Anthony Michael Hall), along with Jesse’s unpredictable brother Elvis (Jake Weary), are involved.

Trigger Warning stays slick and action-packed enough to maintain interest.

Parker recruits her covert ops colleague Spider (Tone Bell), a skilled computer hacker, and the affable local stoner Mikey (Gabriel Basso), all joining forces to uncover the truth behind her father’s demise and dismantle the local criminal network.

Directed by Mouly Surya in her English language debut, Trigger Warning showcases a confident approach to the genre, delivering enough intense action sequences to please viewers seeking straightforward entertainment on a weekend night. While Surya doesn’t focus heavily on building suspense or staging overly elaborate action scenes, the film maintains a steady pace that keeps you engaged.

Trigger Warning stays slick and action-packed enough to maintain interest, although the story itself isn’t that intriguing—it’s watchable. On the plus side, Jessica Alba shines as an action star, and it’s great to see her back on the screen. However, ultimately, Trigger Warning is the kind of movie you might choose on a Friday night out of boredom, offering mindless entertainment and little more.

Trigger Warning is now available to stream on Netflix.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Facebook Instagram Twitter(X) YouTube TikTok