The Trigger Effect

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The Trigger Effect

R

Released Aug 30, 1996

1h 35m

Mystery & Thriller

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

73%

Tomatometer

26 Reviews

44%

Popcornmeter

1,000+ Ratings

When a blackout hits, it doesn't take long before Matthew (Kyle MacLachlan) and Annie (Elisabeth Shue) start breaking the law to protect themselves as they steal medicine for their sick child. But when the power stays out for several days and violence erupts, both the couple and their friend, Joe (Dermot Mulroney), decide that the best action is driving to Annie's parents' home. During the long road trip, they must stop to steal gasoline -- but those with resources are desperately guarding them.

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Critics Consensus

The Trigger Effect offers a captivating tale of paranoia and societal collapse, even if it runs out of thrills early on.

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

A commendable but ultimately perplexing failure.

Jun 14, 2022

Full Review

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly

Rated: B

Sep 7, 2011

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Susan Stark

Detroit News

Rated: 2/4

Jan 1, 2000

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

For this film to have worked better for me, I would need an alien invasion to add to its inexplicable strangeness and paranoia.

Rated: B-

Nov 14, 2023

Full Review

Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Flawed but worthy.

Rated: 3/5

Jan 6, 2006

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Chuck O'Leary

Fantastica Daily

Rated: 3/5

Oct 21, 2005

Full Review

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Darsou C

An underrated film with poignancy and standout performances

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/06/25

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John B

love, love, love this film. Interesting concept with the great performances and direction

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/02/25

Full Review

Audience Member

Ummm... more interesting than usual given that reality for all is seemingly teetering closer than ever before to similar circumstances as in this 25-year-old movie. This was decent, somewhat dated but not so much that it keeps the viewer from relating to it. 3 of 5

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/07/23

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adam b

A drama that plays its premise spectacularly and to its bare extent and I found myself enjoying every bit of it

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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Audience Member

Very subtile und well acted thriller about the slow breakdown of society during a power outrage. Creepy like an invisible apocalypse.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/29/23

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Audience Member

Tensions rise among Californians during a massive power outage. Surprisingly tense with some nice subtlety. Screenwriter David Koepp's directorial debut.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/27/23

Full Review

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David Koepp

Director

Kyle MacLachlan

Matthew

Elisabeth Shue

Annie Kay

Dermot Mulroney

Joe

Richard T. Jones

Raymond

Michael Rooker

Gary

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Synopsis

When a blackout hits, it doesn't take long before Matthew (Kyle MacLachlan) and Annie (Elisabeth Shue) start breaking the law to protect themselves as they steal medicine for their sick child. But when the power stays out for several days and violence erupts, both the couple and their friend, Joe (Dermot Mulroney), decide that the best action is driving to Annie's parents' home. During the long road trip, they must stop to steal gasoline -- but those with resources are desperately guarding them.

Director: David Koepp
Producer: Michael Grillo
Screenwriter: James Burke, David Koepp
Distributor: Gramercy Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures, Amblin Entertainment
Rating: R
Genre: Mystery & Thriller
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 30, 1996, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 10, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $3.6M
Runtime: 1h 35m
Sound Mix: Surround

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