Fixed is a heartwarming, yet thought-provoking, documentary that explores the relationship between humans and their furry companions. The documentary, directed by Cat Mills, focuses on the issue of pet overpopulation and highlights how mandatory spay-and-neuter laws can help mitigate this problem. The film takes the audience on a journey from Canada to the United States, where we get a glimpse of various animal shelters and their operations. These shelters form the core of the documentary, and we see how they work tirelessly to take care of the many animals that come through their doors.
Mills uses a mix of interviews and observational footage to build a narrative that is both informative and emotional. We meet people who have dedicated their lives to animal welfare, and we hear their stories of hope and heartbreak. We also meet people who have adopted animals from shelters and how these animals have transformed their lives in ways they never envisioned.
One of the film's main themes is the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Mills doesn't shy away from presenting the harsh realities of pet overpopulation, and we see firsthand how many animals end up being euthanized simply because there aren't enough homes for them. However, she also presents a hopeful message, showing how mandatory spay-and-neuter laws have been successful in reducing the number of euthanized animals in cities like Los Angeles.
Mills also tackles the issue of breed-specific legislation, which has been adopted by some cities and communities. These laws ban specific dog breeds, such as pit bulls, and Mills argues that they are ineffective and unfair.
Throughout the film, we see how animals can bring joy and love to people's lives. We are introduced to several individuals who have adopted animals from shelters and how these animals have become integral parts of their families. From veterans suffering from PTSD to children with autism, the animals seem to have a transformative effect on everyone they come into contact with.
One of the film's strengths is how it presents animals as individuals with their own unique personalities and quirks. We see how each animal has their own story, and learn about their likes, dislikes, and preferences. This approach makes it difficult not to fall in love with each animal we meet, and we find ourselves rooting for them to find loving forever homes.
Fixed is a well-crafted documentary that raises important questions about pet overpopulation, animal welfare, and the human-animal bond. It presents a balanced view of the issues, showing the challenges faced by animal shelters, the impact of mandatory spay-and-neuter laws, and the joy that animals can bring into people's lives. The film is a must-watch for anyone who cares about animals, and it will leave you feeling uplifted and inspired.
Fixed is a 2022 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
