‘The Fix’ is a 2024 sci-fi thriller written and directed by Kelsey Egan. Egan is famously noted for her touch when writing immersive, character-driven narratives and she does not disappoint in this quick-moving dystopia where survival is predicated on the ability of humanity to evolve – whether morally, biologically, or emotionally. The film is set in a world called the Fix which is afflicted by toxic pollution created by large corporates and the film showcases the extent to which individuals and corporations strive to survive.
The film was shot in South Africa and capitalizes on the breathtaking views to create an appealing yet disturbing aesthetic. As evidenced in the movie, The Fix is written in the style that makes the viewer question a lot of things regarding humanity – social and moral views, evolution, science; it is all included in the script.
Synopsis:
In the strongly diluted air, only Aethera, a global multinational pharmaceutical group, has the ability to create a product called AIRemedy. The world described in The Fix is a combination of two possibilities: the ability to industrially pollute the environment, and oppose AIRemedy’s production. The prospects are grim as years have gone by and Earth has become too dangerous to breathe in. Despite the disturbing reveal, AIRemedy assists with breathing, affordability is an issue; Only the high-class can afford it.
The narrative focuses on Kiera Morrow (Grace Van Dien), a former successful model who has now turned into a hermit. The designer drug which she hadn’t intended to take during a cocktail party propelled her into a conspiracy. The effects of the drug were nothing close to what she was expecting as it began a horrifying change in her. As she started mutating, she started gaining physical powers and entire immunity to toxic substances in the air.
The film progresses as Kiera comes to learn that she was previously a part of the organization without her knowledge and that the Aethera project was being conducted on her. She, along with Dr. Malcolm Vega (Clancy Brown), goes on a revenge path against the corporation after she finds out he was a part of the company before but turned rogue. Aethera is conducting wrongful human experiments with the agenda of taking advantages of the next evolution of mankind but their ultimate goal is to mass produce bio-adaptive humans.
The terrifying truth about the future of humanity is presented as Kiera goes through severe emotional trauma and immense physical pain to defeat the experiment that she has become. The climax shows us Kiera, who is torn about making decisions regarding the ethics of being a human and what are the downsides or collateral damage which one must go through to save her species.
Nanarn Gai Acting Coster:
Kiera Morrow is essayed by A Film historian and a mother of 3 named Grace Van Dien. Considering the plot of the movie, This character appears to be the main focus as she will be helping us unfold the layers of secrets revolving Aethera.
Clancy Brown as Dr. Malcolm Vega. One cannot ignore the brilliant but morally battered scientist who assists Kiera in the process of change. His name is Clancy Brown and this is his role.
Daniel Sharman as Luka Voss. Another elusive character who is part of the Aethera and Kiera’s history, who P.K. Daniels Horan does not seem so clear about.
Aidan Scott as Evan Morrow: Tiera’s little brother, AIRemedy has become necessary for her as the vices of her brother’s age begin to anger her the more.
Kelsey Egan’s direction raises the picture to more than just a standard dystopia-drama-tension ride. It is her talent that prevents the mix from turning into an incoherent mess. Instead, the audience gets emotionally charged with all of the sounds and sights that this film has to offer. Winter echoed the theme of bleakness and hopelessness. Together with the narrator, we wandered through a parched desert of South Africa.
Luke Bryant’s cinematography stands out with a dull color scheme, where the clean and metaphorically placed under towers Aethera’s laboratories are set in contrast with the moldy atmosphere surrounding Kiera’s and the hpwhatever’s dens. This aspect deems appropriate as well with the film’s message, which is about the underprivileged society being overridden by overflowing corporate power.
Themes and Analysis: 1. Corporate Greed and Exploitation: The Fix is an accountability piece to the issue of corporate monopolies and their insouciance towards the sanctity of human life in the Thirst for profits. Aether’s domination over AIRemedy illustrates the horrors of excessive authority and mirrors the larger concerns of the pharmaceutical and tech industries. 2. Evolution and Survival: The literal and metaphoric meaning of Kiera’s evolution is as much a focus of this film. In her continual battle to retain her humanity, the film probes more deeper philosophical questions regarding the very nature of evolution and its governance, whether it be nature or man made. 3. Moral Ambiguity: ‘The Fix’ abounds in amoral characters, with most of them preferring the morally grey area and making decisions based off self preservation instincts. The Case of Dr. Vega, where he becomes one of the test subjects in Aethera’s scope of experiments, displays how one’s sense of ‘ethics’ is compromised and irrelevant in systems that are sick. 4. Class Divide: The film’s depiction of a bright future built around a scarce commodity accentuates the growing rift between the upper classes and the subaltern. Kiera’s transformation arc from a discontent survivor to a warrior of hope provides the movie its most salient message of altering the systems in place.
Soundtrack and Sound Design:
Alexander Berman is not your usual talent in his sound score as he manifests work which is a mix of orchestra and electronic fusion. The soundtrack follows Kiera’s footsteps,redemptive rhythms punctuating frantic sequences whilst sorrowful tunes are set to the most touching scenes. The sound design incorporates several features that assist viewers in the film, such as the irritating cough of non AIRemedy users or the quiet rattle of the Aethera’s facilities.
Critical Reception:
The Fix has been most reviewed positively in average. – although its scope and Grace Van Dien’s acting was appreciated, the second act was criticized because of how off pace it felt at times.
Eye for Film: “Kelsey Egan directs a visually spectacular film which is set as a thriller and embraces numerous themes, even if sometimes, rather unnecessarily, collapses under the complexity of its storyline.”
Film Threat: “The Fix focuses on where people might head towards next with respect to altering the world, great central performance, and convincing depiction of dystopian society controlled by huge conglomerates.”
With the audience and their reviews, the film has a score of 71% in Rotten Tomatoes all due to the reviews pointing towards the depth and message the film contained within it.
Final Thoughts
The Fix – a very interesting film in the context of a completely new perspective on the issues around survival, evolution and ethics of a corporation e.t.c, a film that is likely to appeal to the majority, even though many may not say it changes the genre landscape much. The good acting, great visual effects and interesting ideas make sure that it is in every head, for a long time. The fans of provocative sci-fi should not miss The Fix in 2024.
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