There’s something curious – and even a bit uncomfortable – about seeing one of the names responsible for creating some of the most iconic Cartoon Network series – and, consequently, a big part of my childhood – heading down such an… adult path. Fixed, written by Genndy Tartakovsky (Hotel Transylvania) and Jon Vitti (The Simpsons Movie), and directed by Tartakovsky himself, is a 2D animated feature for adults that doesn’t hold back from showing dogs engaged in sexual acts – yes, with an absurd variety of objects – nasty jokes, and explicit language. It’s not something I would have ever imagined associating with the mind behind Samurai Jack or Dexter’s Laboratory, but it’s a strong reminder that animation doesn’t have to be confined to children’s entertainment.
The story follows Bull (Adam DeVine, Pitch Perfect), a quick-witted, adventure-ready Staffordshire Bull Terrier who finds out he’s going to be neutered the next morning. As the gravity of this irreversible moment sinks in, Bull realizes he needs one last adventure with his group of friends, making the most of his final 24 hours with his “crown jewels”. Rocco (Idris Elba, The Suicide Squad), an imposing and confident British-accented Boxer; Honey (Kathryn Hahn, WandaVision), an Afghan Hound show dog and Bull’s next-door crush; Sterling (Beck Bennett, Saturday Night Live), a Borzoi and Bull’s romantic rival; Lucky (Bobby Moynihan, Sing), a nervous, goofy Beagle; and Fetch (Fred Armisen, Portlandia), a wannabe influencer Dachshund, make up the pack that joins him on this chaotic journey.
As a dog owner and true lover of these four-legged beings, I admit that Fixed nails the stuff I find most entertaining: canine stereotypes, automatic reactions to commands or keywords, and those specific triggers only someone who lives with a dog would instantly recognize. Tartakovsky and his team show a deep – and affectionate – understanding of what defines a dog’s behavior. From the pleading look at the sound of a kibble bag to the burst of excitement when someone says “walk”, everything is captured with delightful precision.
The voice cast is another area where Fixed just instinctively gets it right. It’s impossible not to smile when you realize Elba voices the strongest, most experienced role model of the group – an obvious yet perfect choice. Likewise, DeVine inhabits the sex-obsessed, foul-mouthed protagonist with a chaotic energy that fits like a glove. Hahn and Bennett theatrically paint the world of “show dogs” and the haughty pose of top breeds. Here, each actor was chosen not only for their voice tone but for how their persona aligns with the canine caricature they’re portraying.
Still, I can’t help but feel the film misses an important narrative opportunity. Neutering is the driving force of the story, but it’s almost always handled in a purely humorous and sexualized manner. In reality, it’s a complex topic, full of pros and cons, and with no universal answers. There are safe, temporary alternatives that allow owners to test a dog’s reaction before the real deal. I understand the choice to fully embrace the shock comedy approach, but even a minimal reflection could have enriched the story and added a useful perspective for those facing this decision with their pets.
At its core, Fixed is a story about self-discovery and identity. The message is clear: masculinity or femininity isn’t defined by what we carry between our legs, our pedigree, or our outward appearance. What truly matters is loving ourselves for who we are, regardless of what others may think. A secondary storyline follows a dog who doesn’t quite know what they like or want, feeling out of place and isolated until they meet someone who shares the same experience and has already overcome that void. It’s an evident analogy to identity and transition issues, thankfully integrated without derailing the movie’s tone.
Visually, the 2D animation is a pleasure all its own. Fluid lines, vibrant colors, and a rhythm that evokes the classic Cartoon Network school. Fixed works both as a nostalgic time capsule and as a reminder that 2D deserves more room in today’s 3D-dominated animation market. I wish more feature films had the courage to go down this path.
It’s also worth stating clearly: Fixed is absolutely NOT for kids. If you’re thinking of putting it on TV to entertain the little ones just because it’s animated, be ready for conversations you probably don’t want to have. This is an extremely adult story in both content and language, and it should be watched with that in mind.
Final Thoughts on Fixed
Fixed is an adult animated comedy that blends sexual irreverence with sharp canine behavior observations, supported by a pitch-perfect voice cast and a charming visual style. It could have easily delivered a richer exploration of its central theme, and not all of the risqué humor lands, but it makes up for it with genuinely funny moments and endearing characters. Like the dogs it portrays, it has clear flaws… and yet, it’s hard not to enjoy it.
P.S.: how is it possible that in the middle of such a wide variety of breeds, there’s not a single Corgi? My Yoshi was pretty disappointed…
Rating: B
Fixed is now playing on Netflix.
Learn more about the film, including how watch it, at the official website for the title.
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