Trigger Warning Movie Review : Jessica Alba goes all guns blazing in this mindless yet entertaining action flick

Story: Parker, a Special Forces Commando, returns home after her father's death. Soon, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy involving military weapons, confirming her belief that his father’s death was no accident.

Review: ‘Trigger Warning’ boasts a compelling premise - a woman seeks the truth behind her beloved father's suspicious death. Despite its sleek action, the film ultimately feels underwhelming due to its formulaic script. However, the action sequences and desert milieu keep viewers engaged. Jessica Alba delivers an action-packed performance in ‘Kill Bill’ style, wielding her falchion and handling her gun with flair. Returning to the screen after five years, Alba's performance is enjoyable. While 'Trigger Warning’ is a routine and formulaic film, it entertains throughout its 90-minute runtime.

The film opens with Parker (Jessica Alba), a Special Forces Commando, engaged in a counter-terrorism operation in the Syrian desert. She soon receives news of her father's death and returns to her desert hometown. During a minor scuffle where she foils a robbery, Parker discovers an automatic weapon, leading her to suspect illegal activities in her hometown. As she gathers evidence, she becomes convinced her father's death was no accident. Her suspicions are confirmed when she learns the mine where her father died is being used to steal weapons from a military depot. Further investigation reveals that Senator Swann (Anthony Michael Hall) and his sons, Jesse (Mark Webber), also the sheriff, and Elvis, are involved in her father's death. Determined to seek justice, Parker goes all out to take down her father's killers.

The plot of this action-thriller moves at a rapid pace, with events unfolding quickly. This film marks Indonesian director Mouly Surya’s debut in English-language cinema. Despite a lack of depth and nuance, it remains a mindless entertaining watch. The screenplay effectively establishes Jessica Alba’s character within the first ten minutes, setting the tone for the rest of the film. Alba appears completely at ease in the action scenes, delivering a decent performance. Among the supporting cast, only Gabriel Basso as Mike, manages to leave an impression. Although Anthony Michael Hall’s portrayal of Senator Swann is menacing, his character feels underutilized.

There is no denying that ‘Trigger Warning’ has a weak script and comes across as a mindless film, but it's also the sort of movie you would not mind watching in your spare time. Don't expect too much from this action flick; think of it as a guilty pleasure that begins and ends in a jiffy without taxing your brain. Its fast-paced action and engaging fight sequences provide just enough entertainment to keep you hooked.