Trigger Warning Christian Review
Let’s dig deeper into the latest action-thriller to star Jessica Alba, “Trigger Warning.” A fast-paced thriller, the movie is already making waves and bringing Alba back into her roots: action. As Christians, however, we have to look at cinema beyond just how interesting or thrilling the story is, to see the messages the movie is passing, and if these messages are in alignment with our faith.
Strengths: A Heroine’s Journey
What remains quite striking from this movie, “Trigger Warning,” is the depiction of Parker Calvo by Jessica Alba. In this character, one gets a strong and determined special forces commando whose trait might resonate with many audiences, including Christians. Her struggle is towards finding corruption and justice, themes so central to the teaching of Christ in righteousness and standing up for justice.
The film is encouraging; one relates to Parker’s strength in the face of personal tragedy and societal adversities. The biblical heroines—Esther, Deborah, and others—who really had the guts to stand up for what was right come to mind in watching the character of Parker. Parker personifies just that: what can be called a modern-day Esther or Deborah, where greatness and courage may come forth from the most unlikely of people.
Moral Themes: Justice and Integrity
“Trigger Warning” highlights issues of justice and integrity intrinsic to Christian ethics. When Parker unravels layers of corruption, she encounters a number of ethical dilemmas that impel her to come to face the truth back in her hometown. This storyline calls fans to think critically about honesty and transparency in personal and social life.
From the Christian perspective, the pursuit of justice is itself justified, considering the divine decree for man to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly before God (Micah 6:8). The journey of Parker brings home to the reader the fact that very often, the seeking out of justice demands a very great deal of courage and persistence in its exercise, two qualities which strongly mark the Christian endeavor.
Issues: Thoughts
Yet “Trigger Warning” also generates some concerns, especially in the violence it depicts. The movie abounds in action, where most of the conflicts are resolved by fisticuffs. While in some cases one may be justified in self-defense and protecting others, as Christians, our call is to be promulgators of peace and reconciliation whenever possible.
The portrayals of media-derived violence can potentially lead to viewers becoming desensitized to and fostering a culture that views force as a technique for problem resolution. These are ethical issues of how violence is depicted and, in most cases, in conflict with the teaching of Jesus about being a forgiving and non-violent person in response to defiance.
Character Development – Depth and Representation
Another thing to note is the in-depth character development that “Trigger Warning” has. Whereas Parker is an interesting lead character, most characters really are one-dimensional. In this way, it affects the possibility of the film to cause much deeper emotional association and meaningful moral reflection at the end.
Well-rounded characters in Christian storytelling afford viewers the space for empathy and understanding. The audience is allowed to realize how complex human nature is and how human beings fight morally within themselves. One-dimensional character development, however, limits the degree to which the film can generate discussion on faith, morality, and redemption.
Social Issues: Addressing the Symptoms, Neglecting the Cause
“Trigger Warning” touches a variety of social issues: some political corruption, criminal activities, etc. However, it treats these issues at a very superficial level, moving on to further the plot rather than really discussing any societal challenge.
For the Christian, this involves an engagement with social issues that is thoughtful and compassionate, founded on the biblical principles of justice and mercy. The film somewhat falls short because, although it is an attempt to introduce such themes, it causes confusion and leaves the audience wanting more depth to further comprehend how such issues affect people and society.
Another of these things to be found in “Trigger Warning” would be an intense experience, featuring a strong female lead with themes of justice and integrity. The role of Parker Calvo was played very impressively by Jessica Alba, making her character one to stand with resilience and determination in the face of adversary throughout the whole series.
While we as Christians appreciate the emphasis in such a movie on standing up against corruption and seeking truth, its portrayal of violence is something we may need to deconstruct, for our call is to be peacemakers and agents for reconciliation in life.
“Trigger Warning” shows us how complicated storytelling really is, and it provokes one to begin to re-look at media through the eyes of faith and values. It inspires one toward films, not only because they entertain audiences, but also for the ethical and moral questions they raise.
Ultimately, our response to “Trigger Warning” as Christians must be one of discernment, thoughtful and characterized by those issues exposed. Herein, we begin to appreciate its merits and may even begin to consider its effects on one’s perspective of justice, righteousness, and the complexity of human nature.
