‘The Fix’ (2024) Movie Review - How Far Will You Go To Save Humanity?

Kelsey Egan's The Fix presents a haunting vision of the future where humanity’s survival hinges precariously on wealth and pharmacological dependence. In this dystopian tale, Ella, portrayed with captivating nuance by Grace Van Dien, transitions from a glamorous supermodel and corporate ambassador to a defiant voice of resistance. The film seamlessly intertwines environmental catastrophe, societal inequity, and personal agency, creating a narrative as thought-provoking as it is chilling.

Set against a backdrop of environmental collapse, Egan’s world-building is strikingly detailed. Toxic air has rendered the planet uninhabitable without protective masks and expensive pharmaceutical solutions. These survival elements are not universally accessible, creating a stark divide between the haves and have-nots. The oppressive atmosphere mirrors current anxieties about climate change and unchecked capitalism, offering a deeply relatable yet unnerving projection of where humanity might be headed.

The story takes a dramatic turn when Ella accidentally ingests an experimental drug that alters her physically and mentally. As her body undergoes mysterious changes, the plot shifts from a sweeping critique of environmental degradation to a more intimate exploration of personal metamorphosis. Van Dien’s portrayal of Ella’s transformation is both visceral and moving, capturing the vulnerability, confusion, and eventual empowerment that define her journey.

Egan’s direction excels in balancing the macro and micro aspects of storytelling. The broader implications of societal collapse are always present, but the focus on Ella's experiences grounds the narrative in an emotional core. Her awakening leads her to challenge not only the pharmaceutical corporation that thrives on societal despair but also the societal structures that prioritize profit over human life.

What sets The Fix apart from many dystopian films is its subtlety. Instead of relying on overwhelming visuals of destruction or heavy-handed moralizing, the film opts for an understated approach. It draws attention to small, human moments that resonate deeply—like Ella’s interactions with those who cannot afford the necessities of survival or her increasing realization of her complicity in a broken system. This nuanced storytelling makes the dystopian crisis feel intimately personal rather than distant or exaggerated.

The cinematography further amplifies the film's unsettling tone, using a muted palette that reflects the ashen skies and sterile interiors of this chemically dependent society. The use of tight framing on Ella enhances the feeling of suffocation, paralleling her internal struggles with the external constraints of her environment. This film will transport you to the era of the pandemic when you see the actors wearing masks in the movie. But all that does make us realize how important clean air is.

At its heart, The Fix is a film about transformation. It suggests that both environmental and personal evolution are essential for survival. Ella’s journey from passive participant to active rebel becomes a metaphor for humanity’s need to face its failures and seek redemption.

Writer and director Kelsey Egan crafts a compelling narrative that feels both a cautionary tale and a rallying cry. The Fix isn’t just a story about a dystopian future; it’s a reflection of the choices we face today. For viewers seeking a film that provokes thought and inspired action, The Fix offers an unmissable cinematic experience.

Final Score- [8/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times