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Imagine a world where every decision is laced with the complexities of class struggle, moral ambiguity, imminent death and breathtaking visuals. That’s the essence of “The Fix”, the much-anticipated dystopian thriller hitting Apple TV Friday starring Grace Van Dien. With Kelsey Egan pulling double duty as writer and director, the film promises a kaleidoscope of emotions, layered characters, and a story that feels eerily relevant – A world on the brink as our air is toxic and it seems as only one COMPANY has the solution.
A Decade in the Making
For Egan, “The Fix” has been a labor of love, beginning its journey as a script written in 2013. Reflecting on her creative process, she reveals:
“When I’m writing, I’m seeing it play out visually. There’s nothing on the page I’m not already imagining as a film scene. It’s like watching a movie in my head.”
While the story germinated over a decade ago, its exploration of classism feels more relevant today than ever. Egan attributes this to her years in South Africa, where societal disparities are impossible to ignore.
“Living in South Africa, you never forget. Writing ‘The Fix’ felt natural, almost inevitable. The wealth disparity, the resource disparity—it’s so ingrained and interlaced in society. It can never leave you; it’s always in your face,” she said.
Interestingly, Egan compares her upbringing in the United States to her experiences abroad:
“Growing up in the States, we lived in this magical little bubble where we pretended problems like these were solved. Moving to South Africa taught me the power of openness—confronting societal issues head-on in a way that felt real and authentic.”
Masks, Costumes, and Theatrical Visuals
One of the most captivating elements of “The Fix” is its use of intricate masks, a detail that reflects the personalities of each character. Egan recalls the joy of collaborating with her cast on this creative challenge:
“It was like a team-building exercise! If you’re going to show who your character is through their mask, what would it look like? Those conversations informed the designs, and it was just so fun to explore,” she explained.
This attention to visual storytelling is no surprise, given Egan’s background in theater. She describes the film as “a visual representation of the internal,” where every costume, set, and prop serves a narrative purpose.
“I love anything that allows us to express the intangible—what a character is feeling, their struggles, their aspirations—through the physical world,” she said.
Villains in Shades of Gray
Egan’s dedication to complexity shines through in her approach to characters, especially Daniel Sharman’s character Eric, a figure whose actions challenge easy categorization as the head of the Pharma company controlling the drug that is poised to save humanity … or at least some of it.
“It’s easy to say he’s the villain. But I wanted to show the pressures and circumstances that shaped him. There’s an empathy that comes from understanding someone’s worldview, even when it’s deeply flawed.”
This nuanced perspective extends to the film’s overarching themes, particularly its ethical dilemmas. One of the central questions in “The Fix” is how society makes impossible choices in the face of survival. Egan explains:
“If you can only save so many people, how do you make that choice? No one has the right to play God, but at the same time, survival demands answers. It’s all shades of gray—no clear heroes or villains.”
Daring Stunts and Behind-the-Scenes Challenges
For all its thematic depth, “The Fix” is also a visual spectacle packed with daring stunts. One standout sequence involves a high-stakes jump across an atrium, a feat that tested the limits of the cast and crew.
“That scene was a logistical feat. The rigging, the safety measures—it took days of preparation, and we only had three takes to get it right,” Egan said.
Egan praises her team’s dedication, highlighting the work of her stunt crew and lead actress:
“Grace was incredible. She faced her fears and committed to the role with so much bravery. Watching her balance on a rig, stories in the air—it was a testament to her courage and trust in the team.”
Another challenge was the tight schedule. “Technically, we should’ve had two days to complete the stairwell jump and surrounding scenes, but budget constraints meant we had to get everything done in one day.”
Egan smiles as she recalls the chaos:
“I was running between second-unit pickups outside and a huge climactic drama scene between Grace and Daniel, all while the stunt team quietly worked in the background, re-rigging for the next jump. It was intense, but those moments remind me why I love filmmaking.”
Why “The Fix” Matters
At its core, “The Fix” is more than a dystopian spectacle—it’s a meditation on humanity’s capacity for resilience, creativity, and moral reckoning. For Egan, the project was about capturing the raw, messy beauty of collaboration:
“When you have an emotion on the page and it comes to life on screen the way you envisioned—or even better—that’s deeply meaningful. It’s the magic of filmmaking.”
Whether it’s through its richly layered characters, stunning visuals, or poignant themes, the film invites audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about the world we live in.
With “The Fix,” Kelsey Egan has created something truly special—a film that challenges, entertains, and resonates on a deeply human level. So grab your popcorn and prepare for a cinematic experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.
“The Fix” hits Apple TV Friday. Don’t miss it.
