The actor makes a decent bid for action stardom with her first movie in five years, a derivative yet watchable attempt to kick off a new franchise

 

Jessica Alba makes a strong return to the screen in Netflix’s new action-packed thriller, "Trigger Warning." This film showcases Alba’s enduring star power, as she takes on a gritty and intense role that keeps audiences engaged from start to finish.

"Trigger Warning" centers on Alba’s character, a traumatized veteran navigating a dangerous path filled with high-stakes encounters and moral dilemmas. Alba’s performance is both compelling and layered, bringing depth to a story that explores themes of redemption, resilience, and the human cost of violence.

The film's action sequences are well-executed and thrilling, providing plenty of adrenaline-pumping moments. The choreography and special effects are top-notch, elevating the film above typical genre fare. Director Mouly Surya brings a fresh perspective to the action genre, infusing the narrative with emotional weight and complexity.

Supporting performances are also strong, adding to the film’s overall impact. The cast delivers solid performances, contributing to the film’s gripping atmosphere and enhancing the storyline’s tension.

Overall, "Trigger Warning" is a solid action vehicle for Jessica Alba, marking a notable return for the actress. With its blend of intense action, emotional depth, and Alba’s standout performance, this Netflix offering is a must-watch for action thriller fans.

Jessica Alba has been relatively absent from the screen in recent years. The once ubiquitous star, who appeared in 13 films between 2007 and 2010, took a step back from movies, featuring in just two films between 2018 and 2024. During this hiatus, she focused on motherhood and her eco-friendly brand, The Honest Company, which at its peak was valued at $1 billion, justifying her break from Hollywood.

After stepping down as COO, Alba launched her own production company and now returns with her first leading role since 2016’s little-seen horror film, "The Veil." Her new project, "Trigger Warning," is a Netflix action movie—a savvy choice given her 2000s fame and Netflix’s knack for turning familiar faces into streaming hits. The film is likely to resonate with viewers who enjoy the latest Adam Sandler and Jennifer Lopez offerings, especially during a quiet weekend for new cinema releases.

"Trigger Warning," positioned as a potential franchise starter, was ambitiously compared to "Rambo" and "John Wick" when it was announced in 2016. This film provides Alba with substantial screen time, a rare opportunity in today’s theatrical landscape. She stars as Parker, a special forces commando who returns to her hometown following her father’s suspicious death, which she believes was murder. The film features a cast of shady characters, including Anthony Michael Hall’s ultra-conservative senator, his trigger-happy son, and local criminals.

The movie pays homage to 80s action flicks, evident in a scene referencing a Chuck Norris movie. The script, crafted by John Brancato, Josh Olson, and Halley Gross, is a straightforward 80s action formula with some modern touches. While "Trigger Warning" could benefit from a more thoughtful script, it remains engaging and occasionally touches on politically interesting themes. Unlike its Reagan-era predecessors, the film is pro-military yet critical of racist and regressive politics. Hall’s right-wing politician is a villain not just for his actions but for his beliefs, with the ultimate antagonists being white male domestic terrorists.

Although "Trigger Warning" doesn’t delve into deeply smart or noteworthy territory, it channels election year anger into Alba’s revenge mission. Directed by Indonesian filmmaker Mouly Surya, the film marks her English-language debut. Alba, often critiqued for her acting, excels in this role, convincingly performing hand-to-hand combat scenes and exuding old-fashioned movie star charisma.

While "Trigger Warning" serves as a straightforward reintroduction to Alba, it’s effective. The film might not leave a lasting impression, much like Netflix’s numerous romcoms, but it’s an entertaining choice for a Friday night watch, even if it fades from memory by Sunday.