In the ever-evolving landscape of Hollywood, where stars rise and fall with the tides of time, Jessica Alba’s career has taken a fascinating trajectory. Once an omnipresent figure on the silver screen, gracing a staggering 13 films between 2007 and 2010, Alba gradually retreated from the limelight. Her focus shifted to motherhood, raising three children, and expanding her eco-conscious brand, The Honest Company. While this venture proved immensely successful, reaching a peak valuation of $1 billion, it inevitably led to a hiatus in her acting career.
However, after stepping down as COO of The Honest Company, Alba made a strategic decision to launch her own production company. This move marked a turning point, leading her to take on her first bona fide lead role since 2016’s “The Veil,” a little-seen horror film. Alba’s choice of genre and platform for her comeback was nothing short of astute.She opted for a Netflix action movie, a genre that aligns perfectly with her brand of 2000s fame, resonating with the same audience that flocks to the streamer’s offerings from the likes of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Lopez.
Trigger Warning
“Trigger Warning,” released during a relatively quiet weekend for theatrical releases, was poised to hit a sweet spot. It targeted Netflix’s undemanding action audience, who had consistently turned lackluster films into streaming hits. Billed as a potential franchise-starter, with ambitious comparisons to “Rambo” and “John Wick” when announced in 2016, the film offered Alba the opportunity to dominate the screen, appearing in nearly every scene. This level of exposure would have been unlikely in a wide theatrical release at this stage in her career.
In “Trigger Warning,” Alba portrays Parker, a special forces commando who returns to her small hometown after her father’s death. While officially ruled an accident, Parker suspects foul play and embarks on a quest for the truth. As she delves deeper, she encounters a cast of dubious characters, from Anthony Michael Hall’s ultra-conservative senator to his volatile son, along with local criminals whose actions she cannot ignore.
The film’s plot unfolds in familiar territory, reminiscent of classic 80s action movies. This homage is explicitly referenced in a scene where a character watches and comments on a Chuck Norris film. “Trigger Warning” adheres to a well-worn formula, a fact that raises questions about the necessity of three writers (John Brancato, Josh Olson, and Halley Gross) to craft the script. However, their combined credits, which include acclaimed films like “A History of Violence” and David Fincher’s “The Game,” as well as episodes of “Westworld,” suggest a potential for something more substantial.
While “Trigger Warning” may not delve into profound themes, it remains a smooth and serviceable action film with occasional glimpses of political intrigue. The Reagan-era shoot-em-ups it emulates were hardly known for their progressive values, often promoting a conservative agenda. “Trigger Warning,” while still decidedly pro-military, takes a firm stance against the racism and regression of Republican politics. Hall’s right-wing politician is portrayed as a villain not merely for his actions but also for his beliefs. The film’s ultimate antagonist is even more reprehensible: white male domestic terrorists.
These political undertones may not elevate “Trigger Warning” to the realm of intellectual cinema, but they inject a timely dose of election-year anger into Alba’s compelling revenge mission. Additionally, the film’s non-American director,Mouly Surya, making her English-language debut, brings a fresh perspective to the genre.
Alba’s performance in “Trigger Warning” is a testament to her versatility. While not always known for her dramatic range, she excels in the film’s numerous hand-to-hand combat scenes, opting for a knife over a gun as her weapon of choice. She also embodies the classic movie star archetype, radiating charisma even when emotional depth is not a primary requirement.
In conclusion, “Trigger Warning” serves as an effective reintroduction for Jessica Alba, showcasing her action prowess and star power. While the film itself may not leave a lasting impression, it fulfills its purpose as a Friday night action flick, providing mindless entertainment for those seeking a temporary escape. Yet, for a few hours of unadulterated action, it delivers exactly what it promises.
