The Fixer (2020) User Reviews

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.

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!

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!)

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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!

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?

Make this Film!

[samuelwj · 10/10 · 18 March 2020]

Terrific writing and direction with first-rate actors. This is obviously the beginning of a larger project, though it does work as a stand alone short. I was dying to know what was going to happen next. Loved the look of the film as well.

Outstanding!!

[franchescazpd · 9/10 · 25 March 2020]

A very well done performance by the whole cast. It left me at the edge of my seat wanting to see what happens next. With such a minimal amount of time, it gives a great deal of information making the storyline understandable. Although it is a suspenseful action pact short film, there is a small bit of humor seeing Dany Trejo in an apron. Something you don't often see in his movie roles. All who were involved with this production did an amazing job.

Great Series Material

[josie-29 · 8/10 · 28 March 2020]

Being a lover of movie plots that twist, I found The Fixer to be very convincing and on top of the game. The film takes you through turns that will find you wanting for more... Is a series afoot?

Gripping, leaving you wanting more!

[sophiachojohnson · 10/10 · 28 March 2020]

I was tethered to the screen when the film abruptly ended because I wanted more! Great pacing, cinematography, soundtrack, dialogue, and delivery of raw emotional performance! A slow-burn that pulls you in and leaves you wanting more!

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!

Gritty!

[alyssanicolas · 9/10 · 27 March 2020]

We were drawn in by the characters immediately! The gritiness that is Los Angeles was evident in the scenes as well as the characters. We were left wanting to see the full length product and guessing where these character will end up. Bravo!

Wow! Just wow!!!

[agonzmd · 10/10 · 16 April 2020]

Wow! What a great story. The characters are incredibly rich, the script beautifully written, the story is complex yet accessible, relatable, engaging. The cinematography is elegant, with the lightning working really well with the scenes. I would love to see this turn into a series. After finishing the short, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!

I feel like I need to start googling " The Fixer first season release date"

HOOKED

[hesstimothy · 10/10 · 10 April 2020]

Great peak into what could be an incredible feature - Ready to see more!

Only wish there was more to watch

[jlutgen-62379 · 8/10 · 27 March 2020]

A great short film. Loved the camera work, the story and the actors. I would love to see the rest of the story.