The Fix (2024) Review: Ambitious Sci-Fi Held Back by Imperfect Execution

The Fix blends body horror with dystopian themes, showcasing Ella’s unsettling transformation amidst societal collapse, yet it falters in execution.

Science fiction and horror have long been close relatives, often sharing thematic DNA. While grand sci-fi spectacles like Star Wars differ starkly from horror icons like Child’s Play, some films—such as The Colour Out of Space—unite the genres in fascinating ways. A key bridge between the two is the subgenre of body horror, exemplified by classics like David Cronenberg’s The Fly or Shinya Tsukamoto’s Tetsuo: The Iron Man. These stories explore unsettling transformations where individuals become something wholly inhuman yet entirely unique. The Fix, directed by Kelsey Egan, takes inspiration from these tales, weaving body horror into an ambitious narrative. However, its lofty ideas are often undercut by technical limitations.

A Grim World with Faint Glimmers of Hope

Set in a dystopian future where toxic air necessitates masks, The Fix portrays a world teetering on collapse. A corrupt pharmaceutical company deceives the public with promises of a life-saving drug while a rogue scientist works on a revolutionary solution. Enter Ella McPhee (Grace Van Dien, Stranger Things), an ordinary woman who stumbles upon the scientist’s experimental drug, triggering a shocking transformation.

At its core, The Fix is an allegory for humanity’s resilience and ethical dilemmas in the face of environmental disaster. The film effectively mirrors real-world anxieties, drawing eerie parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic and humanity’s penchant for denial in the face of catastrophe. Yet, despite its potent commentary, the film’s execution stumbles, especially as it attempts to marry its ambitious themes with genre-specific expectations.

Body Horror That Both Disturbs and Engages

A highlight of The Fix is its unsettling depiction of Ella’s transformation. Her mutation into a hybrid creature is viscerally captivating, evoking early Cronenberg. Scenes like her fingernails peeling off or the emergence of jagged spikes from her elbows elicit both horror and fascination. These moments pay homage to the grotesque beauty of The Fly and similar works, showcasing the film’s dedication to practical effects and makeup artistry.

However, as Ella’s changes accelerate, the narrative becomes more fantastical than horrifying. For instance, the emergence of dragonfly-like wings—while visually striking—feels more akin to a fairy tale than a grim sci-fi narrative. This tonal dissonance weakens the impact of her transformation, leaving viewers craving a more cohesive vision.

A Familiar Yet Plausible Dystopia

The world of The Fix is a bleak yet plausible near-future dystopia. Homes are retrofitted to filter poisonous air, and society clings to hedonistic distractions despite its dire reality. This backdrop resonates deeply with viewers, capturing the essence of humanity’s refusal to confront inconvenient truths.

Ella’s struggle, set against this crumbling world, is both personal and symbolic. Her transformation represents both a potential salvation for humanity and an ethical quandary about the cost of progress. Unfortunately, the film’s storytelling falters in fully exploring these themes, leaving much of its moral complexity underdeveloped.

Action and Effects: Overambitious Yet Underwhelming

The film’s climactic action sequences aim for epicness but often feel overproduced. Moments such as Ella’s lab escape or her gravity-defying leaps are undermined by inconsistent CGI and overly dramatic musical cues. These elements, intended to heighten tension, instead distract from the raw emotion of the scenes.

Moreover, the visual effects struggle to balance realism with creativity. While some designs—like Ella’s early mutations—are effectively grotesque, her final form leans too heavily into fantasy. A more grotesque, insect-like transformation could have better aligned with the film’s sci-fi horror roots, providing a more impactful conclusion to her arc.

Unrealized Potential and Narrative Shortcomings

Despite its strong foundation, The Fix falls short of fully realizing its potential. Key subplots, such as a corporate mole attempting to expose the pharmaceutical company, are underutilized, serving more as narrative bookends than integral components. Similarly, the film’s pacing often feels uneven, with key moments rushed or glossed over in favor of visual spectacle.

This lack of narrative cohesion leaves the film feeling incomplete, as if it’s merely the first act of a larger story. While the open-ended conclusion hints at potential sequels, it also underscores the film’s inability to provide a satisfying standalone experience.

A Flawed Yet Promising Foundation

Though imperfect, The Fix is not without merit. Its world-building, thematic ambition, and moments of genuine horror showcase a creative vision that deserves further exploration. If given the opportunity to refine its ideas and embrace practical effects, a sequel could elevate this promising concept into something truly memorable.

As it stands, The Fix is an uneven blend of body horror and dystopian drama—passable but not unforgettable. Director Kelsey Egan demonstrates a clear passion for the genre, and with the right resources and narrative adjustments, this franchise has the potential to leave a lasting impact.

Conclusion

The Fix is an ambitious attempt to revive the gritty sci-fi horror of decades past. While its creative vision is commendable, its execution often falters, resulting in a film that feels more like a rough draft than a finished masterpiece. Nevertheless, its intriguing premise and visceral moments of body horror hint at greater potential. With a more focused narrative and improved effects, future installments could transform The Fix into a cult classic worthy of its inspirations.

Source: CBR