The Electric State Review

The Electric State is a vast, sci-fi spectacle that fails to light a big enough spark.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Fantastic visual effects
Some fine, emotional moments

Cons

Lackluster cast performances
One-dimensional characters
A clunky, rushed dialogue

Introduction to The Electric State

Acclaimed directors Anthony and Joe Russo (Avengers: Infinity War, Avengers: Endgame) presented another sci-fi blockbuster with The Electric State. A loose adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel, this film depicts Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things) as teenager Michelle, who teams up with the robot Cosmo and a smuggler, played by Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy), to find her long-lost brother in a world in which sentient robots revolted against humanity in the 1990s.

The Russo Brothers have had a mixed run with their films following Endgame‘s massive success. Nevertheless, The Electric State had been hyped as one of Netflix’s biggest original films with its enormous budget and all-star talent. Though the film is a sight to behold, The Electric State suffers from several problems that have made it an underwhelming sci-fi epic.

The Electric State is a Visual Spectacle

Netflix / Netflix

Since The Electric State is a post-apocalyptic, robot-filled blockbuster, the filmmakers had to do the visual effects right to have any hope of hooking its audience. Fortunately, they didn’t disappoint in that department, as it seamlessly presents the film’s live-action humans with its many CGI robots.

The movie’s visuals are consistently top-tier, especially during the Endgame-style final battle between Sentre and the machines, presenting a bombastic sci-fi spectacle that has been expected from modern Hollywood blockbusters. On top of that, The Electric State succeeds in building a vast and ruined world filled with giant robot scraps, with images that look like they were taken straight from the pages of Stålenhag’s book.

The Writing is All Over the Place

Netflix / Netflix

The Electric State‘s story is notable for its relevant commentary about humanity’s addiction to technology. As characters hook themselves up to machines, working in isolation from home and escaping in the virtual world, this story feels ever more timely following the pandemic and the frightening advancement of artificial intelligence.

Unfortunately, The Electric State spends too much time explaining things and repeating information. The opening sequence about the war with machines is a glaring example of how the film fails to follow the “show, don’t tell” rule. The pacing is also very jarring. Everything happens so fast, with the characters throwing lines at each other at breakneck speed as the film jumps from one scene to the next. The movie hardly gives viewers a moment to breathe and take in what they’ve witnessed.

The Actors Hardly Light a Spark

Paul Abell/Netflix / Netflix

Considering their success working with A-list ensembles in the past, the Russo Brothers could’ve harnessed so much more from their incredible cast on The Electric State. Unfortunately, much of the acting seems unconvincing and doesn’t always match the tone of the scene. Even when Michelle is fighting for her life against terrifying odds, she still has a habit of giving moody, wisecracking complaints.

Is The Electric State Worth Seeing?

The Electric State | Official Teaser | Netflix

Ultimately, The Electric State is perfect for those hoping to watch an easy blockbuster. The film is a bold and timely undertaking, but don’t go into this film expecting the next hit franchise. Whatever great story the filmmakers intended to tell seems buried beneath a pile of awkward jokes, one-dimensional characters, and expositional dialogue.

Conclusion

The Electric State is now streaming on Netflix. While it has its moments, the film ultimately falls short of expectations due to its lackluster cast performances, one-dimensional characters, and clunky dialogue. Despite its visually stunning world and timely commentary on technology, the film fails to leave a lasting impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is The Electric State based on a book?

A: Yes, The Electric State is a loose adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel of the same name.

Q: Who directs The Electric State?

A: The Electric State is directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their work on Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame.

Q: Is The Electric State worth watching?

A: The Electric State is perfect for those looking for an easy blockbuster, but it may not be the best choice for those seeking a deeply engaging or well-crafted film.