What comes to mind when you think of science fiction movies? For the most part, these are the big-budget Hollywood blockbusters like Terminator, Star Trek, Star Wars, or low-budget streaming titles.

But if you think about African science fiction, District 9 Will probably comes to mind – a 2009 classic about an alien invasion in South Africa.

Then there is Pumzia 2009 short film by Wanuri Kahiu, which was also a thoughtful future African dystopian concept. I think these films were a milestone, because Africa isn’t usually the first place you think of when you think of science fiction.

South Africa is back, this time not with an alien story but with a dystopian future story.

The Fix is a 2024 Showmax original sci-fi thriller directed by Kelsey Egan. It stars Grace Van Dien (aka Chrissy Cunningham from Stranger Things Season 4), as well as Daniel Sharman (Fear the Walking Dead), Clancy Brown (John Wick 4, The Penguin), and Nicole Fortuin (Heart of the Hunter).

The story follows Ella, a young woman living in a toxic, dystopian future where people must wear masks due to severe air pollution. In this universe, a group of dogs develops a synthetic drug intended to “revolutionize” society, even if it remains in the experimental phase.

In a fit of anger and some of the stupidest decision-making I’ve seen on screen in a very long time, Ella impulsively takes the medicine, setting off a chain of events that define her arc. As the effects of the drug begin to take effect, the story questions whether this is a blessing or a curse. With Ella being the first to feel its full impact, you’re probably thinking about X-Men and you may be right in a way.

The film really picks up around the 30 minute mark, after Ella takes the medicine. The first 25 minutes are heavy on exposition, broadcast on television, voice-overs and dialogue, to establish the world. Once the action starts, the film becomes more gripping.

The story takes place in a futuristic but familiar world, there are subtle sci-fi elements like translucent laptops and somewhat stylish costumes that hint at the future without overwhelming the viewer. The production design feels realistic, mixing everyday settings with small futuristic touches.

Grace Van Dien (as Ella) gives a solid performance, I mean a lot of the feeling revolves around her, especially as her character arc “evolves”. The supporting cast, with their complex motivations, add depth to the story, making Ella’s journey more compelling than I expected.

The action scenes are decent, primarily serving the plot without standing out. The cinematography is also decent, there are some beautiful landscapes which I think introduce an interesting contrast to the brutal nature of what some people (poor people) have to go through in this universe.

The sound design effectively conveys Ella’s pain during certain moments of mutation and, combined with the visual effects, adds a visceral layer to the sci-fi aspects of the film.

There are a few missteps, however, starting with the inciting incident.

I thought what caused Ella to take this medicine was shocking, yes it makes sense within the story, but it could have gone in a different and much more believable direction. The cars look too contemporary and add subtle futuristic details, like an interactive windshield or high-tech interior features, which would have enriched the futuristic setting.

The club scenes suffer from overwhelming music that makes dialogue difficult to pick up. The excessive use of pop music sometimes disrupts the sci-fi tone, and a more suitable soundtrack could have improved the atmosphere.

The plot seems somewhat confusing with subplots and characters that don’t fully serve the main story. The character of Lazarus, introduced in the third act, seems disappointing despite the preparation, lacking the presence expected for someone of his supposed importance, as the third act suggests.

Several narrative threads seem unresolved and convoluted, leaving questions about the film’s main message, whether it’s about finding a cure, personal growth, or something else. By the end, there’s a feeling of missed potential, with interesting ideas not yet fully developed.

So what does this mean for a regular person?

This movie provides a decent experience, especially if you like dystopian sci-fi. The Cape Town setting adds a new backdrop and Kelsey Egan’s direction, while neither unique nor special, ties everything together competently.

It’s worth a watch, especially on Showmax if you’re in Africa. Check it out if the premise intrigues you and remember to enjoy it for what it is.