Trigger Warning: A Solid, Yet Unremarkable, Netflix Action Vehicle

Jessica Alba returns to the big screen in Trigger Warning, a Netflix action movie that marks her first lead role in five years. The film is a derivative, yet watchable, attempt to kick off a new franchise. Alba plays Parker, a special forces commando who returns to her small hometown when her father dies, only to find herself in the midst of a conspiracy.

The film is positioned as a franchise-starter, drawing comparisons to Rambo and John Wick when it was announced back in 2016. This gives Alba the opportunity to take center stage, appearing in almost every scene. It’s a smart choice of genre and platform, as Netflix’s undemanding action audience has made hits out of similar films.

Trigger Warning is a basic 80s action movie, with a barebones formula that needed three writers to stitch together. However, it’s smooth and serviceable, with some vaguely politically interesting moments. The film is pro-military, but also violently against the racism and regression of Republican politics. Anthony Michael Hall’s rightwing politician is a villain not just for his actions, but for his beliefs, topped only by the film’s ultimate Big Bad: white male domestic terrorists.

Alba hasn’t always made the strongest impression as an actor, but this mode works well for her. She’s convincing in her many hand-to-hand combat scenes, and shines as an old-fashioned movie star, light on emotional depth but heavy on charisma. It’s a pretty straightforward reintroduction, but an effective one.

Jessica Alba in Trigger Warning

The film’s English-language debut from Indonesian director Mouly Surya adds some punchy election year anger to Alba’s inevitable and involving revenge mission. While it’s not enough to push the film into genuinely smart or noteworthy territory, it’s a solid, if unremarkable, Netflix action vehicle.

 Jessica Alba in action

Trigger Warning may not be a memorable film, but it’s a fun way to spend a Friday night. Just don’t expect to remember it come Sunday.

 Trigger Warning movie poster