Must-Watch Trailer: Local Sci-Fi Action Film The Fix Starring Grace Van Dien from Stranger Things

Showmax has just dropped the adrenaline-packed trailer for The Fix, a must-watch local sci-fi action film premiering on 31 October 2024 as the African streamer’s Halloween highlight.

Set in a dystopian future plagued by toxic air, The Fix follows a model, Ella, who experiences a shocking transformation after taking a new designer drug at a party. Her mutation holds the potential to save humanity, but she becomes the target of various forces vying to control the drug’s effects. With pulse-pounding action and a complex storyline, The Fix promises a thrilling ride.

Grace Van Dien, best known for her role as Chrissy in Stranger Things Season 4, stars as Ella, alongside an impressive international and local cast, including Daniel Sharman (Fear The Walking Dead), SAFTA nominee Keenan Arrison (Binnelanders), Clancy Brown (John Wick 4, The Penguin), and Nicole Fortuin (Alles Malan). The film also features Fleur du Cap winner Tafara Nyatsanza (Beast, Blood & Water), Young Artist Award winner Caleb Payne (The Kissing Booth, Warrior), Robyn Rossouw (Arendsvlei, Summertide), and Tina Redman (Ludik, Savage Beauty).

A Film Festival Favorite

The Fix had a strong festival presence, opening MIPAfrica and closing Chattanooga, where it won the Dangerous Visions Award.

“We love this movie, from its killer lead performance by the wonderful Grace Van Dien to its wild dystopian world and fantastic mutation effects.”

The Chattanooga Film Festival praised the film, saying,

Gravitas Ventures will release The Fix in the US, Canada, and select international territories on 22 November 2024.

Kelsey Egan’s Vision for The Fix

The film is written and directed by American-born Kelsey Egan, a longtime South African resident who’s quickly becoming a force in local filmmaking. Egan’s previous feature, Glasshouse, a Showmax Original, earned widespread acclaim and dominated the 2022 South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs).

In an interview, Egan shared that the idea for The Fix came from her fascination with appearance and perception.

“I wanted to explore the story of a girl who receives validation only for her looks, and when she undergoes a traumatic transformation, she has to figure out who she is beyond that,”.

she said

Egan’s exploration of identity through Ella’s journey resonates on a deeper level, reflecting how superficial perceptions can shape how we’re treated and how we see ourselves.

South Africa’s Stunt Scene Shines

In addition to the film’s gripping plot, The Fix is packed with high-octane action scenes, thanks to Egan’s background as a stunt performer.

“I got to audition for Mad Max: Fury Road and was selected for their stunt team. That experience gave me a love for action directing, and I was fortunate to bring some of the incredible talent from that world into The Fix.”

Egan shared.

Egan collaborated with stunt professionals like Matthew Van Leeve and Russ McCarroll, both of whom have worked on major international films, to create one of the film’s standout fight sequences. This dedication to crafting realistic, heart-pounding action sequences is sure to be a major draw for South African fans of skop, skiet en donder action films.

A Message Beyond the Action

At its core, The Fix offers more than just thrilling visuals—it conveys a timely message about humanity’s reluctance to change, even when faced with a clear threat. As one character poignantly says in the trailer, “Either we change or we die.” Egan’s exploration of this theme is a reminder of the damage we continue to inflict on the planet and the consequences of our actions for future generations.

A Film for Global Audiences

In a departure from recent South African filmmaking trends that focus on local stories, The Fix has a global appeal. Egan hopes that by telling globally relatable stories, South African filmmakers can attract international partners, building a more sustainable local industry.

The Fix showcases South African talent both in front of and behind the camera, with many local actors sharing the screen with international stars. It’s a bold step for the country’s film industry and a testament to its growing ability to produce films that captivate global audiences.

With a gripping storyline, stunning action sequences, and a powerful message, The Fix is set to be one of the most exciting films of the year. Don’t miss it when it premieres on Showmax on 31 October 2024.