Movie Review: The Fix

As a seasoned movie critic with a penchant for sci-fi and a soft spot for dystopian societies, I must confess that Kelsey Egan’s latest offering, “The Fix,” left me feeling a bit… well, fixated on its shortcomings.

As a passionate cinephile, I must confess that despite the intense, thoughtful, and visually captivating aspects of this sci-fi thriller, its dated feel, detached lead, and slim script seem to undermine its potential impact.

As a devoted movie enthusiast, let me tell you about this gripping sci-fi thriller I recently came across – “The Fix”. It’s a captivating tale from my perspective, revolving around a renowned model who finds herself in the tumultuous wake of an experimental drug. In a chilling future where the air is perilous to inhale, corporations capitalize on humankind’s urgent quest for breath enhancement.

In this movie, Kelsey Egan, renowned for her work on the sci-fi thriller “Glasshouse” featuring an airborne toxin and a grim dystopian setting, showcases her talent on a broader scale. Instead of being confined to a single location as in her previous work, Egan now delves into world-building. However, the ambitious nature of the film, titled “The Fix“, often finds it hard to stay grounded in the present, constantly seeking to establish a sense of weight and authenticity on screen that can anchor its characters and setting. This elusive feeling and increasing detachment weaken the emotional bond, resulting in an experience that feels grand yet artificial and unrealistic.

In “The Fix”, Grace Van Dien plays Ella, linking the sci-fi movie to her father’s “Starship Troopers” fame through an opening ad that evokes their relationship. Grace, who has been seen on shows like “Greenhouse Academy” and “The Village”, exudes a chilling focus akin to Keira Knightley’s early roles. Van Dien shares the screen with Daniel Sharman as Eric O’Connors, whose resume includes hits like “Teen Wolf”, “The Originals”, and “Walking Dead”.

The film, rich in intensity, explores themes similar to the Justin Timberlake and Amanda Seyfried sci-fi thriller “In Time,” as it delves into a universe where wealth allows individuals to literally extend their lifespan. With a vibrant energy that appeals to young audiences, “The Fix” appears designed for a youthful demographic, boasting an attractive cast consisting of Keenan Arrison, Nicole Fortuin, and Clancy Brown. The ensemble is a blend of rising local stars and internationally renowned figures, much like “Glasshouse.” Both movies create intriguing worlds through their visual style, costumes, and overall aesthetic.

In this new interpretation: Glasshouse demonstrated its ingenuity with its layout and idea. With a larger budget this time, Egan expanded her creative boundaries as she delved into a world that felt alien in her previous film. Stepping beyond the limits of Glasshouse, Egan breathed life into a screenplay she had nurtured for years. Initially, it’s plausible that Egan penned the main role with herself in mind, but Van Dien assumed it against a stylish backdrop and cosmopolitan setting instead.

The movie “The Fix” subtly conveys an international vibe through its narrative structure, which is based in Cape Town but doesn’t explicitly state this fact. A futuristic setting is suggested by the actors using a dialect not specific to the region, which is one of the reasons why South Africa has become a popular location for call centers. As a sci-fi production, “The Fix” stands out within our local film industry due to its innovative approach to genre and cinematic style.

“I’m in a glass cage of… of… nevermind.”

In light of current trends and the ongoing pandemic, incorporating mask use in a story may feel outdated, despite the idea being conceived prior to COVID-19. Though it might be visually innovative, the association with face masks makes an old-fashioned vibe inevitable. While the underlying theme could hold some appeal, featuring characters wearing masks can potentially hinder character recognition and impede emotional engagement by creating a barrier between characters and readers.

Maintaining a small distance in portraying this character poses additional challenges due to its complex nature, increasing the gap instead of bridging it. Although Grace Van Dien embodies the physical attributes and passion required for the role, the disconnection deepens because of limited relatable aspects and an icy approach. The character’s anger simmers beneath the surface, making her strong-willed and fiery, but this emotional intensity becomes monotonous and humorless.

In simpler terms, “The supporting characters don’t have much depth or complexity, often relying on brief dialogue instead of showing emotions. They seem more focused on action than feelings. The style and aesthetics are impressive, but the story doesn’t offer enough emotional connection, making it hard for viewers to fully engage. Although the visuals are stunning and a step up for local productions, “The Fix” falls short when compared to international standards.

The production maintains a nice blend of reality and fantasy, avoiding excessive visual effects yet still offering enough imaginative touches to keep the environment intriguing. It seems that creating an appealing aesthetic is prioritized over developing deep characters, engaging plots, and constructing a captivating narrative. While the polished editing, attractive visuals, and sound quality make it a pleasure to watch, there’s a sense of detachment when considering the overall impact.

Moving with great energy and style, visually speaking, but lacking depth, this results in an intriguing yet distant viewing experience. The lack of well-developed characters and complex interactions makes each character seem isolated or detached from the others. This cold, isolating atmosphere suits a dystopian setting, but it falls short when trying to be entertaining.

Despite The Fix’s grand aspirations for its vision, it appears that it might have taken on too much, making it challenging to fully grasp the concept. Nevertheless, it showcases a commendable effort. It’s unfortunate that perhaps less focus was given to refining the script and character development, which could have made the story more compelling and reduced the reliance on visual spectacle.

The portrayal of the future in this film carries a price tag, yet it fails to stir genuine emotions. It’s possible that the movie’s wide-ranging scope may have been overly ambitious as compared to Glasshouse. Though the elements are sound, the overall impact seems diluted and, despite some impressive action sequences, it generally lacks emotional resonance. From a cerebral perspective, the narrative is relatively simple, incorporating familiar themes with an added touch of style.

Regrettably, the main concern with “The Fix” lies in its distant character choices, underdeveloped characters, and an overemphasis on world-building. This technical focus, though justifiable, should have taken a back seat to the story and character development. The outdated feel is disappointing, and despite occasional flashes of inspiration, it primarily seems like a squandered chance.

The bottom line: Misfire

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2024-12-10 23:43