Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Graphic violence, language, drugs in Latina-led action film.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Trigger Warning
What's the Story?
In TRIGGER WARNING, Parker (Jessica Alba) is called home from active military duty in Syria following her father's death. The local sheriff, Jesse (Mark Webber), Parker's high school boyfriend, claims it might have been a suicide, but Parker quickly deduces it was not. She begins investigating, uncovering a conspiracy involving the sale of illegal, military-grade weaponry. She has the support of old friends, like local Mike (Gabriel Basso) and colleague Spider (Tone Bell), but it seems that Jesse's dad, politician Swann (Anthony Michael Hall), and no-good brother, Elvis (Jake Weary), don't want her to keep digging.
Is It Any Good?
This action film does a proficient job sustaining tension, but its settings, characters, and plot feel like a blend of ideas you've seen before. Trigger Warning's political message is also a little spotty, making a tenuous connection between the supply of military-grade weapons, faith-based political conservativism, and domestic terrorism. We're meant to accept that its bad actors deserve death, while its increasingly violent heroine should face no consequences for her own vigilantism. The rural Southwest setting has all the stereotypes of an isolated small town, but it provides a picture-perfect background for landscape shots. Despite its questionable elements, the film keeps up its momentum and sets a definitive tone.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about making a Latina woman the lead of the action in Trigger Warning. What other films have you watched where a Latina stars in such a physical role? Why is representation important?
Is Parker justified in the violence she inflicts? Why, or why not?
Do you think the character of Senator Swann is meant to sound like any actual politicians? In what ways?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : June 21, 2024
- Cast : Jessica Alba , Mark Webber , Anthony Michael Hall
- Director : Mouly Surya
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 15, 2024
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