User Reviews

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

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!

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.

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!

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.

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 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 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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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!

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.

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?

The fixer is a compelling short that feels episodic. Something you might see on Netflix or USA network. The cinematography breathes life into LA's film noir past. So grab a bowl of menudo, a cup of dry roast and enjoy the ride. Well done.

Captivating and plot was intriguing. Characters drew you in and you wanted to understand their backgrounds

Every aspect of this short film was captivating and intense. Exceeded my expectations from every aspect: acting, musicality, production, locations, lighting, etc. Suspense without over dramatic in your face. Predictability is so common but within this short film you're at a constant state of mental acquisitiveness and when you think you have it, cliff hanger at the end leaves you wanting more. Well done Michael Schilf as always. Anxiously awaiting!

This is a great film! It is well-balanced and leaves you wanting more. Despite the short format you find yourself truly invested in the characters. What is most impressive about the film is it's pacing. The plot moves steadily forward without ever feeling slow or rushed - a feat that few short films pull off. The Fixer deserves to see the light of day as a feature, in the future!

The Fixer is a phenomenal film! The acting and direction combined for a surprising, exciting, and at times comedic ride; it left me wanting more!

From the very beginning of this film short, I was drawn in. The viewer quickly understands to plot, then there is a twist near the end that I didn't see coming. It made me wanting more. Great, believable performances by the entire cast.

Loved this short film! From the start I was totally vested in the story and characters! Definitely left me wanting the whole story!

This short brings a little something extra to the LA underbelly crime genre. Lead character Jack Cross is at a crossroads and there are double-crosses aplenty (not to mention the crucifix he wears and kisses, just minutes before doing an enhanced interrogation that would do Black & Decker proud). This is a short that clearly has eyes on becoming a series or feature, so we can see sadistic crime boss Danny Trejo, great as ever, get what's coming. The whole cast is pitch-perfect, and the tech specs, photography, design and score are right on the money.

Another winning film by Director/Producer Michael Schilf. Great story, great cast, great music placement! Left me wanting more.