"The Fix" - movie review

Grace Van Dien transforms in The Fix, a sci-fi spectacle of humanity’s survival.

Stranger films have tackled the potential extinction of humanity, but few match the ambitious journey Kelsey Egan takes us on in The Fix. This sci-fi spectacle follows Ella (Grace Van Dien), a model who accidentally consumes a high-powered drug at a party, only to find herself transforming into something beyond human. The central question—is she a monster or humanity’s salvation?—fuels a narrative that combines power-rock fantasy with a thriller’s edge. Unfortunately, while the film brims with creativity, its overlong runtime and pacing issues dilute the overall experience.

Van Dien delivers a compelling performance as Ella, navigating a world where trust is scarce and her transformation alienates her further. The film’s tumultuous journey is paired with a unique, chaotic soundtrack that drives its fantasy elements but occasionally overshadows quieter moments. While the concept and effort deserve applause, The Fix often feels less like a standalone film and more like the pilot for an elaborate series.

Daniel Sharman also stands out as Eric O’Connor, the film’s primary antagonist. Fans of his previous work (such as Troy in Fear the Walking Dead) will recognize his knack for playing complex, god-complex-driven villains. O’Connor is no exception, embodying the entitled legacy archetype with a sinister edge.

Visually, The Fix impresses with sleek effects and well-choreographed sci-fi action sequences. Van Dien shines, especially in tandem with the stunt team, who elevate the film’s most thrilling moments. Yet, the story falters in its character introductions—new faces are added just as the pacing begins to settle, resetting the momentum repeatedly. This constant cycle prevents deeper investment in the core characters, which might have enhanced the emotional weight of the story.

The twist ending promises a shocking revelation but lacks the necessary buildup to make it truly impactful. Instead, it leaves more questions than answers, potentially frustrating viewers who may not care enough by that point to speculate further.

In conclusion, while The Fix bursts with imaginative storytelling and striking visuals, its sprawling narrative would have been better suited to a multi-part series or a more focused, streamlined film. There’s plenty of creativity to admire, but the execution leaves much to be desired.

Rating: 2/5

Director: Kelsey Egan

Producers: Greig Buckle, Allison Friedman, Jeremy Walton, David Lyons and Egan

Executive Producers: Showmax, Moo Studios and Van Dien.

Cast: Grace Van Dien, Daniel Sharman, Keenan Arrison, Tina Redman, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, Nicole Fortuin and Clancy Brown