The Trigger Effect

"Is it bad out there?" "Out where?" When talking about underrated films from underrated directors literally nobody has seen, David Koepp's The Trigger Effect may very well top that list. The film tells such a great moral story about the collapse of civilisation after a citywide power cut and how humans can become savages when faced with apocalyptic situations. The Trigger Effect also makes a very strong argument against gun use in America and those who have seen the film know the exact scene that portrays this excellently. The name of the film is also so clever and has many meanings. The Trigger Effect hints at the trigger on a grid hitting the power off, the trigger of a gun that causes many problems for our main protagonists, and the knock-on effect people's actions have. Kyle MacLachlan, Elisabeth Shue and Dermot Mulroney deliver very solid, grounded performances, unlike a certain film from 2008 that deals with a similar premise (yes you Marky Mark). These performances definitely elevate the film. The ending of the film is solid, it could have been improved upon but keeps in theme with fairytale voiceover narration that runs through this film. Overall, The Trigger Effect is an extremely underrated psychological thriller film that deals with many serious topics. This is a favourite film of mine now and is one many should see.