Trigger

Trigger is an emotionally resplendent and powerfully resonant 2010 Canadian drama, directed by Bruce McDonald, gracefully written by Daniel MacIvor, and astutely produced by Jennifer Jonas and Leonard Farlinger. It holds a beloved place in the library of independent films, hooks on the exemplary dynamic performances of its lead actresses, Tracy Wright and Molly Parker. These two key characters deliver vividly real performances that intertwine a unique tale of friendship, loss, and personal redemption among other compelling themes. Notably, Daniel MacIvor also fosters a meaningful presence in the film in the role of Brian.

The film spotlights the reunion of two fiercely independent women, Victoria (Tracy Wright) and Kat (Molly Parker). Each woman is richly textured with intricate lives, complexities, and human frailties. The personalities of the two leads couldn't be more distinct; Victoria, the introspective yet prolific lyricist, has a darker, more introverted personality, while Kat, the vibrant lightning rod of energy, lives in constant pursuit of her next high-speed adventure.

Both women formerly performed together in a legendary, renegade rock band, known as 'Trigger.' Their reunion, after nearly a decade of estrangement, is orchestrated under the aegis of a 'Women in Rock' dinner being held in their honor, recognizing their vast influence on the music industry despite their battles with personal demons. It's a thread that pulls them together one evening and lets the viewers delve into a single night's journey through the heart of Toronto, stirring memories of their tumultuous past while engendering deep, new understandings.

While music serves a crucial backbone and acts as a connecting tissue in their individual and joint narrative, it's hardly about the rock and roll lifestyle. More poignantly, the lyrical underbelly of songs contributes to the exploration of their personal psyches, internal struggles, their addictions, and the state of their intense, platonic relationship—a sincere, unflinching batch of themes addressed sensitively through the lens of the human experience.

The narrative evolves through their meandering conversations and awkward silences as they reconnect, revisit old tensions, discuss their paths over the years, and debate personal philosophy. The narrative pendulum swings seamlessly between moments of joy, tears, anger, and affection, rendering an intimately immersive space for the viewers to exist.

With a strong focus on character development, the filmmaker fragments the screen time efficiently to create a deep connection between the audiences and these two central characters. What initially appears as a simple story of reunion brims with meditative layers when the film unveils the darker strands of addiction. The subject is handled with the utmost sincerity and sensitivity, contributing immensely to the already multilayered tapestry of the narrative.

Without being overtly melodramatic, Trigger delicately handles sensitive personal themes and presents them with authenticity and an unvarnished realism. The viewers are allowed into the fresh wounds and the deep-seated traumas of these women's lives while appreciating their strength and resilience. It's a story of survival, healing, redemption, and the vitality of enduring friendships.

Highly commendable is the on-screen chemistry between the two leads - Tracy Wright and Molly Parker. Their performances evoke a sense of familiarity and ease, creating an engaging synergy. It's the potency of their acting that breathes life into these deeply flawed yet fascinatingly real characters and drives the narrative forward.

A standout aspect of the film is undoubtedly the intricate screenplay by Daniel MacIvor. The narrative is propelled by dialogue, echoing with profundity and sharing an authentic touch to the depictions of life's trials, tribulations, hopes, and dreams.

The movie's candid exploration of the human condition, friendships, sexuality, and addiction leaves an indelible impact, creating a cinematic experience that is as moving as it is thought-provoking. Bruce McDonald delivers an atmospheric, credible, and emotionally poignant film that delves into the depths of intricate individuals and their complex relationships, solidifying his stance as a visionary independent filmmaker.

In conclusion, Trigger is much more than a movie about two women revisiting their shared past; it is a profound examination of life, death, addiction, survival, and most importantly - friendship. It'll leave you questioning and pondered, yet offering a hopeful vision, redefining the rich emotional spectrum of human behavior.