The Fixer (2020) User Reviews

Danny Trejo in an apron

[pgutierrez-56573 · 8/10 · 16 April 2020]

Great story and use of Los Angeles scenery. I wish the movies pace was a bit faster but nonetheless a great story was told. Also Danny Trejo in an apron made it better

Taut, Well-Crafted Crime Drama

[jbzweig · 9/10 · 16 April 2020]

A taut, well-crafted crime/revenge drama with engaging performances from Jesse C. Boyd and Veronica Diaz Carranza and an awesome cameo by Danny Trejo. An impressive directorial debut for Schilf, who sets the stage here for a broader story or tv series about the underworld of hit men (and women!)

A Knife's Edge of Humor and Grit

[david_c_hernandez · 9/10 · 13 March 2020]

The Fixer is a film that rides the knife's edge of humor and grit. Set in the neighborhoods of Boyle Heights and Echo Park in Los Angeles, the story is bound to the cityscape where the Latin culture is proudly displayed and where unconventional protagonist Jack Cross, played by Jesse C. Boyd, navigates effortlessly through a rough neighborhood he clearly calls home.

Boyd's performance is grounded and pensive. A man that carries the world on his back but who's duty to family overrides any moral reservations. And, of course, Danny Trejo - just as threatening in a flower-patterned apron armed with a ladle as he is when yielding a machete in arguably his most iconic role.

Writer/Director Michael Schilf skillfully delivers just the right pinch of levity to help you take a needed breathe between bouts of tension-filled suspense, and the cliffhanger ending leaves you emotionally satisfied, yet wanting more. I can't wait for the feature.

Silently Intriguing

[kristinegarroway-67834 · 10/10 · 25 March 2020]

Iconic LA tropes draw you into the narrative: classic cars, the music of an ice cream truck, a hula girl on the dash. We are introduced to the Fixer. He is a not a simple gun for hire, but a complex character: a "tough guy" who is afraid for for his family. Will this fear that drives him to do unspeakable evils out of loyalty for his boss also be the emotion that redeems him? What is left unsaid is the most intriguing part of the narrative for this reviewer. The silent moments (back filled with a great score) speak volumes. Here credit goes to the crisp writing, acting, and directing, as small movements, even the subtle raise an the eyebrow are used to convey emotions that words cannot capture. There's so much more that is left unsaid - I hope to see more of this film in the near future!

Don't let this one slip through the cracks!

[legge-30901 · 10/10 · 17 April 2020]

One of the many shames of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is all the incredible work in the independent film community going unwatched and unreleased as festivals across the country are cancelled en masse.

The Fixer's a great example of the sort of tightly wound, seedy thriller that Hollywood used to be famous for. Following an enigmatic antihero through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, Schilf's film calls to mind recent neo-noirs like Drive and Nightcrawler.

The performances are captivating across the board - particularly from Jesse C. Boyd and (of course) Danny Trejo. Boyd is grounded and expressive - a lot of emotion conveyed with very little in the way of obtrusive dialogue.

The script itself is delightful - often deliberately restrained and still, even when the subject matter intensifies. The editing pays favour to the cinematography and the talented cast, allowing shots to linger and lavish in the nuances.

Schilf is a quietly confident talented writer/director. His style reminds me a bit of the deliberate patience of Denis Villneuve, combined with the grit of more explosive filmmakers like Michael Mann, Antoine Fuqua, and Tony Scott.

Frankly surprised we haven't seen more from him. Not surprised by the craftsmanship on display - a quick google search reveals an extensive background as a "fixer" of sorts in the screenwriting world. Would be thrilled to see more work from him in the future.

On the ending: agree with other reviews that would love to see this developed into a feature film.

The Fixer will have you captivated, begging for more.

[miah9000 · 10/10 · 14 April 2020]

Blending an authentic Los Angeles aesthetic with classic gangster scenes and a nuanced twist, Schilf has put together a powerful and enthralling piece of film. Exceptional visuals and sound design punctuate this short as the cast and location bring it to life. Cannot wait for a feature-length version.

Diminishing Hate for the Sake of Love and a Freedom from Vengeance

[bzimmer777 · 10/10 · 17 March 2020]

Michael Schilf delivers here fully in a story that allows you to journey through the conflicts of a Mafia enforcer and those tied into this perplexed web of crime and violence, whether deserving or not. Lies and truths, conflicts both internal and surfaced in a gritty raw performance by Jesse C. Boyd. All characters serve their purpose and give their own specific color to this canvas. The film is shot beautifully, and without waste; every scene powerful and colorful to the story with resolution at stake. The violence lands true, but the lining struggle is the conflict of working with someone you want to hate for the sake of love and a freedom from vengeance. Congrats to all those involved, and a standing ovation!

Demo tape for film industry insiders

[logfromblammo · 6/10 · 16 April 2020]

The filmcraft is good, but I found it difficult to engage with the characters or understand their motives. The final scene is somewhat ambiguous, and then ends with a hanging plot point. It seems like it's only a fragment of something bigger, and there's a reason for that.

It's a show piece to shop around and get backing for a full-length feature or episodic series. Each scene is individually well staged, and shows that the film team knows what they are doing, but the aggregate result is not a story that satisfies.

fascinating tease

[timothyhedrick · 9/10 · 29 March 2020]

Great first 15 minutes of what hopefully will become a full feature. We don't know who the fixer is going to have to kill, but somebody's gonna get it! Made me really hope that the "Best Menudo in LA" is going to show up at Trejo's Tacos someday soon!

Intriguing premise

[Daz-Byard · 7/10 · 2 April 2020]

I liked the story but at first found myself wondering what was going on. By the time it gets to the next act, it becomes clearer. Well defined characters and worth watching just to see Danny Trejo in a rose print apron! The ending is very ambivalent and kind of wishy-washy with it's did he or didn't he conundrum but overall its a solid effort and with some polish I would pay to sit and watch a feature length version of it.

Needs To Be A Feature Film

[dorellanarogers · 9/10 · 12 May 2020]

The film with its dark element kept our attention throughout to the point when the film came to the final scene it left us wanting more!

Intense!

[tarahnew · 10/10 · 10 April 2020]

The Fixer takes you on the intense and dramatic journey of an extorted Mafia enforcer. We see the lengths he will go to protect his family. Also, the iconic bad guy, Danny Trejo makes an awesome appearance in particularly badass wardrobe!

An excellent short film!

[sunilm-06651 · 10/10 · 3 April 2020]

The Fixer is captivating. A well-made short film with a strong cast, and an interesting soundtrack. Many possibilities to expand!

Authentic L.A.

[rglowacki-29230 · 9/10 · 26 March 2020]

An extremely well-crafted modern-day noir film that leaves you wanting more. Overall production quality is excellent from sound to cinematography and a great use of Los Angeles locations. Authentic performances from all the actors, none more so than Tuesday the dog. Highly recommend.

THE FIXER IS A MUST WATCH!

[royarwas · 10/10 · 17 March 2020]

A beautifully shot short film that feels so real and raw when you watch it. It is well directed, well written, and most importantly, feels grounded. This cast, featuring Danny Trejo, does a fantastic job at keeping the audience on edge. Much like every phenomenal thriller, the direction and script keeps us biting our nails with every single second that passes, making us wonder where it will take us next. Thank you for making such a wonderful piece. Definitely A MUST WATCH!

The Fixer needs a Feature

[monicaterada · 10/10 · 3 April 2020]

I watched The Fixer three times. The first, because my eyes were glued, especially when Trejo shows up in a flower apron. The second, to admire more carefully the beautiful shots, well written dialogue and soundtrack. And a third time because I was left wanting more. When does the feature come out?

Baffling & Horrifying

[elsaescobar · 10/10 · 16 April 2020]

We get to witness the inside view of a complex cast of characters. Each character has a story to be told...what actually happened in the City of Angels one may ask. This short film had its tender moments and yet was tragic and grisly that had me close my eyes but yet wanting to see more. It peeks your interest of one man's thoughts, his tragic life and what led him to be who he is!

Leaves you wanting more!!

[thecriv · 9/10 · 22 May 2020]

Compelliing. Captivating. "The Fixer" is entertaining as a short, but begs to become a full feature. Nice performances and clean, creative direction and lighting. And great musical underscoring to boot!. The only reason I gave 9 stars, is because I want more! Damn Covid...slowing it down.

YES!!!

[michaelflowersjr · 10/10 · 16 April 2020]

GOOOOD MOVIE!!! GOOOOD WRITING!! I knew it was going to be a good movie when I saw that Danny Trejo's face.

I Want More!

[bdaadamson · 10/10 · 23 March 2020]

I'm always in search of the new series or the next great trilogy to binge watch. I want to order a pizza, get comfy, and spend a long weekend with these characters. An excellent cast and I would love to see more!

Good short

[kaogier · 9/10 · 2 August 2020]

That was easily the most rewarding 17 minutes of my day; wish it was longer. Nice L.A. vibe, shot well, really good performances.

An elaborate and perfectly interlocking puzzle of a short film. More!

[bigtbigtbigt · 10/10 · 16 April 2020]

There is nothing I enjoy more than watching a flick whereupon the second and third viewing I catch details that I overlooked the first time -- details I thought at first viewing were maybe inconsequential -- were actually setting the viewer up for the climax all along.

The Fixer is well crafted. Not a moment of Jack's character development is wasted. Each bit of small talk, each beat in the action, and even the breaths in-between all contribute to the twist at the end -- a twist that perhaps reveals the only mistake was Benito's (played by Danny Trejo) decision to put Jack and his victim in the same place at the same time.

I couldn't help but watch The Fixer again. This is just the beginning of a tightly written thriller. It has a lot of potential.

Great Story, Gravity, Pull and Promising Possibilities

[eduardkorat · 10/10 · 21 March 2020]

Great story telling building up the tension gradually making you curious about how the story will unfold. Beautiful pictures, believable acting and surprising elements pull you into this fictional but realistic world. After 16 minutes the story ends with promising possibilities of future events. Left me with an unfulfilled wish for closure.

Fantastic crime drama!

[ianschrank · 9/10 · 17 April 2020]

The Fixer is a gripping, gritty short film from Michael Schilf, and I am so happy I got the chance to see it. Brimming with atmosphere and exceptional cinematography, it pulls you in to an exciting and original story. It left me wanting more, and I cannot wait to see where the story goes next.

Gripping!!

[christopher-312 · 10/10 · 23 March 2020]

A really compelling story that asked more questions than it answered. Great acting, great characters, and great tension! Now I want to know what happens next!