Marc Maurino’s film dares to ask that question that many parents have come across in their life time. How do you react to the confession that your child wants to serve in the military, and discover that they’re being sent out soon? And what “Trigger Finger” invariably asks is, how do you respond to your child’s desire to serve during a time of a world war, and certain danger looming on the battlefield thanks to a corrupt government? “Trigger Finger” is that film that tackles the life questions without ever getting too sappy for its own good.

And his mom seems to know this and is aware of his slim chance of survival in a place he’ll surely die in, and spends the majority attempting to find someone to keep him home and from being sent out. Maurino doesn’t just explore the conundrum of a family torn apart by war and the possibility of death, but of a society that doesn’t realize what immense dangers lurk in the battlefield. But most of all, with its grim, disturbing, and utterly realistic finale, “Trigger Finger” shows the inherent damages of war on family, whether they’re in the battlefield or not.

One of the caveats of “Trigger Finger” is that even though it makes a valid point, it tends to be pretty over the top at times. While Maurino does compose an interesting story, most of that is undermined by the casts occasionally spastic performances, particularly from Elizabeth Aspenlieder who is never completely convincing as a mother seeking to keep her son near her. The film has a surefire tendency to be too sappy at times, and keeps it firmly in a TV movie atmosphere that really should have been avoided from the get go.

Though steeped in melodrama and over the top moments, “Trigger Finger” is a grim and rather fascinating glimpse at the war and its unflinching damage to the average family, and parents.

• For more information on "Trigger Finger," including screening schedules, and cast information, visit the official website.

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