Jessica Alba’s latest film,Trigger Warning, has defied critical expectations to become a global sensation on Netflix. Despite a low 20% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie has soared to the top of the streaming service’s viewership charts.
Directed by Mouly Surya in her first English-language feature,Trigger Warningintroduces viewers to a gritty narrative where Alba plays a former Special Forces commando who takes over her late father’s bar. The plot thickens when she finds herself up against a local gang, leading to a showdown that tests her combat skills and strategic acumen. The ensemble cast supporting Alba includes notable names like Anthony Michael Hall, Mark Webber, and Hari Dhillon.
Trigger Warning
Special Forces commando Parker (Jessica Alba) is on active duty overseas when she gets called back to her hometown with the tragic news that her father has suddenly died. Now the owner of the family bar, Parker reconnects with her former boyfriend-turned-sheriff Jesse (Mark Webber), his hot-tempered brother Elvis (Jake Weary) and their powerful father Senator Swann (Anthony Michael Hall), as she looks to understand what actually happened to her dad.
The film’s remarkable viewership numbers are a testament to its broad appeal. Released on June 21, it quickly climbed to the pinnacle ofNetflix’s rankingsfor the week ending June 23.Trigger Warninggarnered an impressive 25.7 million views and 45.9 million hours watched, significantly outpacing its nearest competitor,Ultraman: Rising, which pulled in just 7.9 million views. Other popular titles likeDracula UntoldandMission: Impossible - Dead Reckoningwere also left trailing in its wake.
Trigger Warning Leads Netflix Despite Falling Short of Action Expectations
Trigger Warninghas been met with a chorus of disapproval from both critics and viewers. Despite that, the film has risen to the top of Netflix’s viewing charts, signaling the return of a disconcerting trend for the streaming giant. This resurgence of poorly reviewed films leading to the viewership statistics shows a persistent pattern that may cause concern among cinephiles.
The film, which features a female-led cast in a narrative aspiring to mirror the visceral punch of classics likeFirst BloodandJohn Wick, has fallen short of those comparisons, particularly in its action sequences. Critics have pointed out that the film’s action lacks both precision and impact, contributing to a dismal 20% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, with audience reception even lower at 16%.
This development contrasts sharply with the recent success ofHit Man, which had been riding high on Netflix’s Global Top 10 for two consecutive weeks prior toTrigger Warning.Hit Man, celebrated for its mix of dark comedy and thrilling elements, received acclaim at notable film festivals such as Venice and Toronto. It has been lauded forGlen Powell’s charismatic performance, earning a 96% critic rating and a 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Trigger Warning Review: Jessica Alba Takes Names in a By-the-Numbers Conspiracy Thriller
Alba’s hand-to-hand combat moves can be first-rate, but everything in between isn’t too memorable — even with Anthony Michael Hall oozing sleaze.
The shift from the well-receivedHit Manto the critically pannedTrigger Warningexemplifies a troubling trend that has been observed with several Netflix releases. Previous chart-toppers like Jennifer Lopez’sAtlasand Jerry Seinfeld’sUnfrostedhave also demonstrated a disconnect between viewership numbers and critical reception.
Jessica Alba Rekindles Her First Love in Trigger Warning
After stepping away from the limelight to build her business, The Honest Company,Jessica Alba makes a comeback to action cinemawith her new Netflix film,Trigger Warning. During her exclusive interview with MovieWeb, Alba discussed about her hiatus from acting, then later on pointing out that entertainment is her first love. She said:
It wasn’t my priority for a long time. I built a business in another sector altogether. And then being able to really kind of come back and put my energy and my focus back into this, this is like my first love.
Alba’s passion is evident as she discusses how the character Parker inTrigger Warningprovided the perfect avenue for her return.
“Telling stories and entertaining people, this is what I believe I was here to do in this life. And I just feel blessed that I still get to do it.”
