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The new Showmax Original movie The Fix that began streaming yesterday has been praised for its ‘Hollywood-worthy’ effects and style.

The film portrays a troubled young model, Ella, who mutates into something “not human” after consuming an illicit drug at a party. Naturally, Ella soon becomes the target of powerful factions vying to control the drug’s effects.

Ella is played by Grace Van Dien, best known for her role as Chrissy Cunningham in Stranger Things. The other star of the film is a dystopian Cape Town shrouded in toxic air and looking like Joburg inner city on a winter’s morning.

The villain of the story is Eric O’Connors, the chairman of a pharma giant called Aethera, whose company sells a cure for the toxic air that plagues the city – but the product is one which most cannot afford.

“The character was intriguing,” says Daniel Sharman (Fear The Walking Dead, Teen Wolf), who plays O’Connor. “He’s a father and a businessman who has his own troubles as well as ferocious ambition, and yet a very strong moral code in some respects. I always like characters that have a lot of contradictions.”

The cast also includes the local stars like SAFTA nominee Keenan Arrison (Binnelanders), Nicole Fortuin (Alles Malan), 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).

“You’ve never seen a South African sci-fi/action/body horror/superhero origin story like The Fix.”

Kelsey Egan, who wrote and directed The Fix, says the movie is an example of what local cinema is capable of. “I think we should be developing projects for the international market to build a more sustainable local industry.”

“We have a really strong service industry that’s been making movies for international audiences for decades: it’s something we’re really, really good at, but we’re reliant on international work coming to our shores to shoot.”

“If the South African industry can develop a reputation for delivering original, commercially-viable work for international markets, we will hopefully be able to attract more international partners to produce more globally-minded projects. And a big part of this is raising awareness around South African talent.”

Van Dien made South Africa her home while filming The Fix, and had nothing but praise for local crews, and of course the Mother City.

“I love Cape Town; what a beautiful place to call home while filming.”

“This was the kindest set I’ve ever been on in my life; I feel very lucky to have been surrounded by such a loving cast and crew.”

The Fix is currently streaming on Showmax.

[source:gadget]