Trigger Warning, the 2024 action thriller starring Jessica Alba, follows Special Forces commando Parker as she seeks to uncover the truth behind her father's sudden death.
Directed by Mouly Surya, this Netflix film combines intense action sequences with a gripping storyline. Jessica Alba not only stars in the movie but also plays a significant role behind the scenes, bringing her unique vision to the project.
From a John Wick connection to a behind-the-scenes accident, here are 10 intriguing—and SPOILER FREE—details about Trigger Warning.
1. Director's First English-Language Film
Trigger Warning marks the English-language debut of Indonesian director Mouly Surya, who is acclaimed for her work on "Marlina the Murderer in Four Acts." Surya's transition to directing an American action thriller brought a fresh perspective to the genre.
Known for her ability to blend intense storytelling with striking visuals, Surya approached "Trigger Warning" with the same meticulous attention to detail that earned her accolades in her previous films. Her unique vision is evident in the film’s dynamic action sequences and the atmospheric depiction of Parker’s hometown.
Surya’s experience in Indonesian cinema, characterized by strong female protagonists and cultural depth, greatly influenced the film's style and execution.
2. Director's First Visit to an American Hardware Store
Relatedly, Director Mouly Surya faced unique challenges while filming Trigger Warning in the United States, including her first visit to an American hardware store. This visit was particularly significant because Jessica Alba's character, Parker, has a major fight scene set in a hardware store. She shared her thoughts:
"It was a great challenge. What was the American expression? The fish out of the water. It’s the fish-out-of-water experience. You flew here, drive on the opposite side of the world, and it’s a whole new thing. But I think I took it one day at a time. For example that hardware store scene, I’ve actually never seen a hardware store in America before. So when I saw it on paper, I was like, 'Yeah, let’s see what happens.' Then I went on a scout, and I went to the hardware store for the first time and I was like, 'Oh, wow. This is very interesting. I can do this, I can do that.' And then I talked to the stunt guys and worked on that scene"
3. Filming Locations
Trigger Warning was filmed across various locations in New Mexico, providing a diverse and authentic backdrop for the movie. Key filming locations included Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Española, Lamy, and Los Cerrillos. Each of these places offered unique settings that enhanced the film’s visual and thematic elements.
Albuquerque provided a modern urban environment, while Santa Fe and Española contributed historical and cultural depth. Lamy and Los Cerrillos added rural charm, making the film’s setting both realistic and immersive
4. Jessica Alba as Executive Producer
Jessica Alba not only starred in Trigger Warning but also served as an executive producer for the film. Her role involved contributing to key production decisions and ensuring the film's vision was executed effectively. Alba's involvement behind the scenes added a personal touch to the project, allowing her to influence various aspects of the film, from the script to the action choreography.
5. Jessica Alba's Acting Comeback and Healing Through Filmmaking
Trigger Warning also marks Jessica Alba's return to major film projects following her role as Chief Creative Officer at The Honest Company. Alba's last significant movie role was several years ago, making this action-packed thriller a notable comeback in her acting career.
The process of making Trigger Warning was also personally healing for Alba. Stepping back into acting allowed her to reconnect with her passion for action movies and navigate through a period of personal loss. The role required extensive physical training and a commitment to performing demanding stunts, showcasing her versatility and dedication to the craft of acting. The film’s production provided a therapeutic outlet for her during a challenging time
6. Real-Life Accident During Filming
During the production of Trigger Warning, a serious accident occurred when a cable snapped, injuring a crew member. The incident happened while filming a scene involving a cable towing an ambulance, which broke and struck the crew member’s leg.
The staff was hospitalized and later shared their experience on social media, warning others in the industry to be cautious. Despite the injury, the crew member recovered and returned to work on the film.
7. Krav Maga and Knife Fight Choreography
Trigger Warning features intense fight choreography that incorporates Krav Maga, a martial arts style known for its practical and efficient techniques. Jessica Alba's character, Parker, uses everyday objects like brooms and bolt cutter handles as weapons during fight scenes, adding a raw and gritty realism to the action sequences.
Additionally, Alba learned advanced knife fighting techniques, a new challenge for her, as she had not performed knife combat in previous roles. This training allowed her to portray hand-to-hand combat scenes with knives convincingly, adding a layer of realism to her fights against larger opponents. The combination of Krav Maga and knife skills showcases the adaptability and practicality of these fighting styles in high-pressure situations
8. All-Female Production Leadership
Jessica Alba, along with the producers, made a conscious effort to create a female-fronted action film. The director, writer, and many department heads were women, contributing to a unique set environment that was free from the usual machismo often found in action movie productions. Alba emphasized that this collaborative and inclusive approach made the filming process more manageable and authentic
9. Partnering with John Wick and Sicario Stunt Teams
The action sequences in "Trigger Warning" were crafted with the expertise of the stunt teams from "John Wick" and "Sicario." This partnership ensured that the fight choreography was both innovative and executed with a high level of professionalism. Alba specifically requested their involvement to bring a level of authenticity and excitement to the film's action scenes
10. Trigger Warning Sequel
There is already buzz about a potential sequel to Trigger Warning. Given the film’s initial popularity and Jessica Alba’s strong performance, discussions about continuing Parker's story are underway. Director Mouly Surya and the production team have expressed interest in expanding the narrative, especially considering the film's open-ended conclusion, which leaves room for further development of Parker's character and new challenges she might face.
While no official announcements have been made, the positive reception and viewer interest could lead Netflix to greenlight a sequel in the near future.