description The Trigger Effect Overview
The Trigger Effect is a 1996 American thriller directed by David Koepp. It follows a suburban family and their neighbors after a prolonged, unexplained power failure disrupts communication, commerce, security, and access to basic services. The film uses the outage as a social experiment, examining how fear, scarcity, and uncertainty can weaken ordinary cooperation.
help The Trigger Effect FAQ
What is The Trigger Effect about?
David Koepp's 1996 thriller follows Matthew and Annie, played by Kyle MacLachlan and Elisabeth Shue, after a prolonged blackout disrupts phones, cash machines, medicine, and security. Their friend Joe, played by Dermot Mulroney, becomes part of the escalating struggle over trust and survival. [Universal Pictures At Home](https://www.universalpicturesathome.com/movies/the-trigger-effect)
Is The Trigger Effect based on The Twilight Zone?
It is not a direct remake, but the premise echoes the 1960 Twilight Zone episode The Monsters Are Due on Maple Street, which also turns a power failure into social panic. Koepp's film uses the same basic anxiety while telling its own 1996 story.
Who directed The Trigger Effect and what rating and runtime does it have?
David Koepp wrote and directed it, and Universal lists a 1996 release year, an R rating, and a runtime of 1 hour 35 minutes. The main cast also includes Richard T. Jones and Michael Rooker. [Universal Pictures At Home](https://www.universalpicturesathome.com/movies/the-trigger-effect)
Where can I watch The Trigger Effect?
Universal Pictures At Home currently lists the film for digital purchase or rental, while its original US theatrical release was August 30, 1996. Retailer availability and price can change, so the current listing is safer than an old DVD price. [Universal Pictures At Home](https://www.universalpicturesathome.com/movies/the-trigger-effect)
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