Few upcoming projects have received such intense preparation buzz prior to their release as The Electric State. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo under their banner the Russo brothers this Netflix-exclusive film demanded $320 million for production against promising visual spectacles that would hook audiences. Since its rollout on March 14, 2025 the film received widespread criticism from both film reviewers and viewers.
Plot Overview:
Set in an alternate 1994, “The Electric State” follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), a teenager navigating a dystopian America where a war between humans and sentient robots has left society in disarray. Believing her brother, Christopher (Woody Norman), to be alive despite reports of his death, Michelle embarks on a cross-country journey. Accompanied by a mysterious robot named Cosmo and a smuggler, Keats (Chris Pratt), she ventures into the Exclusion Zone—a desolate area inhabited by exiled robots—to uncover the truth about her brother's fate.
Critical Reception:
Despite its ambitious premise and high-profile cast, “The Electric State” has faltered critically. As of its release, the film holds a mere 20% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with an average rating of 4.1/10 Metacritic reflects a similar sentiment, assigning the film a score of 32 out of 100, indicating generally unfavorable reviews
Analysis:
Several factors contribute to the film's underwhelming reception:
- Narrative Execution: While the source material, Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel, offers a rich tapestry of retro-futuristic storytelling, the film adaptation struggles to translate this depth. Critics have pointed out the plot's lack of originality and emotional engagement, rendering the story predictable and uninspiring AP News.
- Character Development: Despite the star power of Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, their characters lack depth, making it challenging for audiences to form a meaningful connection. The supporting cast, including industry veterans like Stanley Tucci and Giancarlo Esposito, are underutilized, leaving their talents squandered nypost.com.
- Visual and Technical Aspects: The film's substantial budget is evident in its visual effects, with impressive robot designs and expansive landscapes. However, critics argue that these visuals serve as a veneer over a hollow narrative, lacking the substance to make a lasting impact themovieblog.com.
This film exemplifies how challenging it is to convert intricate source material into blockbuster cinema. The film spent a significant sum on financial backing but a large ensemble cast and still ended as a visual delight that lacks true emotional impact. The derisive example of big-budget venture failure serves as a warning for Netflix about maintaining balanced storytelling against spectacle during its cinematic expansion.
During the streaming platform competition “The Electric State” brought all necessary components yet failed to convert them into effective execution. The Russo brothers who achieved success with Marvel Cinematic Universe stages difficulty in developing a tale that matches visual magnificence against emotional richness. The outstanding visual style of the film stands as an unmatching aspect when compared to its insufficient plot development and underdeveloped characters. Lavish productions need proper foundations to create successful captivating moments for viewers.
Do you believe that high-budget productions like “The Electric State” prioritize visual effects over storytelling? How important is narrative depth to your viewing experience?
