‘SHARP OBJECTS’ Episode 3 “Fix” Review

I keep expecting one of Sharp Objects’s mid-series episodes to be mainly a tone piece, but “Fix” may be the most powerful chapter so far.

The third episode stylistically diverges from the first two. The ghostly flashes of mysterious girls expand into physical space. Flashbacks are more important to the plot than ever, developing a contained storyline, serving to explain one of the show’s previous mysteries.

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The visual, thematic, and plotpoint symmetry is stronger in “Fix” than previously on Sharp Objects. Along with the literal reflections (and sometimes double reflections) in mirrors and screens, characters are beginning to reflect each other in actions and traits. Series director Jean-Marc Vallée and crew illuminate this with cuts between characters, brief montage, and — most interestingly in “Fix” — blending songs in the soundtrack.

The performances of the main cast continue to be one of the headlines, with Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson and newcomer Eliza Scanlan embodying complex characters. The support cast is also impressive, including the development of Chris Messina (Richard) and Henry Czerny’s (Alan) characters. Sydney Sweeney’s guest performance in this episode will probably make hers one of the more memorable storylines once the series is finished.

While “Fix” does a lot to expand characters and Camille’s past, it also moves the primary mystery along, establishing possible suspects and giving them some screen time. We also finally see a location that’s been looming over Wind Gap and Camille’s relationships since the premier.

I’ve previously detailed my main gripes about the depiction of race and sexual orientation on Sharp Objects. This episode does nothing to improve that, while further developing the racial and class dynamics of the town. As usual, a handful of minorities appear on screen, but we have yet to meet even a supporting non-white character in Wind Gap. I hope this episode sets up the opportunity to develop one or more of the Mexican farm workers, rather than continually othering them.

The rest of this review contains spoilers for all three episodes of Sharp Objects, and the preview for next week’s episode. I recommend reading our initial review, if you’re still on the fence.

My issues with “Fix” specifically focus mainly on its pseudo-realistic depiction of a psychiatric hospital and the lack of a trigger warning for viewers who may be sensitive to depictions of self-harm. Sharp Objects established at the end of the first chapter that Camille’s scars, and her fixation on those words, is a primary element of the show. But even having read the Gillian Flynn novel, I never expected to see an explicit and bloody depiction of her violence towards herself.

My main fear at this point is how Sharp Objects will continue to portray teen sexuality. There’s a lot of young female skin and underwear in this episode, and the trailer for the next chapter promises that piece of Camille’s puzzle, previously hinted at in flashbacks and bits of dialogue. My concern is that Flynn, Vallée and company have something intriguing to say, rather than just using a stable of pretty young woman as visual candy in a harrowing piece of fiction.

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PREVIOUS EPISODE REVIEWS

Episode 1 “Vanish” Review

Episode 2 “Dirt” Review