The Trigger Effect

The Trigger Effect

Year: 1996

Runtime: 94 min

Language: English

Director: David Koepp

DramaThriller

As a nationwide blackout plunges society into chaos, a desperate Matthew and Annie resort to thievery to safeguard their ailing child, sparking a downward spiral of moral compromise. As they embark on a treacherous road trip to seek refuge at Annie's parents', the lines between right and wrong blur, revealing the dark side of human nature in the face of crisis.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Trigger Effect (1996)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Trigger Effect (1996). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Contemporary

Set in a contemporary period, the film explores modern societal issues such as reliance on technology and the fragility of community. This time frame is marked by reliance on resources, exposing vulnerabilities during a mass power outage.

Location

Neighborhood, Farmhouse

The movie takes place in a suburban neighborhood, which is depicted as a typical setting for a young family with children. During the crisis, a nearby farmhouse becomes a significant location as it represents hope and assistance in a time of desperation.

🏡 Home 🚜 Farm

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:38

Main Characters – The Trigger Effect (1996)
Meet the key characters of The Trigger Effect (1996), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Matthew

Matthew is a devoted husband and father whose desperation escalates as he seeks to provide for his sick daughter. His character evolves through the course of the movie, revealing his willingness to compromise morals under pressure.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family 🏃‍♂️ Determined 😨 Troubled

Annie

Annie is a caring mother who stands by Matthew during the chaos, embodying resilience and strength. As they face the daylight horrors of the blackout, her determination to protect her family becomes evident.

👩‍👧‍👦 Motherhood 🌟 Resilience

Joe

Joe is Matthew's close friend, who becomes embroiled in the turmoil as they struggle to survive the nightmarish events. His character adds a layer of camaraderie and ultimately tragedy to the unfolding crisis.

🤝 Friendship ⚔️ Brave 😢 Sacrificed

Raymond

Raymond is initially portrayed as hostile, but his character arc reveals a deeper layer of vulnerability when it comes to his family. His relationship with Matthew highlights themes of trust and human connection during turmoil.

🤨 Hostile 💔 Vulnerable 👨‍👧 Protective

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:38

Major Themes – The Trigger Effect (1996)
Explore the central themes of The Trigger Effect (1996), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔦 Survival

The theme of survival is central to the film as the characters navigate the challenges posed by a blackout. Their instincts kick in as they face perilous situations, forcing them to make difficult choices in order to protect their family and friends.

⚖️ Moral Dilemma

Characters are faced with moral dilemmas that challenge their sense of right and wrong. The conditions of the blackout lead to desperate actions, raising questions about ethics when survival is at stake.

👥 Community

The impact of crisis on community dynamics is a profound theme in the story. As social order breaks down, the relationships between neighbors transform—some showing solidarity while others retreat into mistrust.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:38

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