Entertaining? Yes. Innovative? Sometimes. The latest Netflix blockbuster is The Electric State. Starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, the film is a two-hour sci-fi action-comedy that feels rushed in execution. It’s an enjoyable movie with an interesting story, but unfortunately, the Russo Brothers fail to convince this time with an action film.
Although the plot is futuristic, the film is set in the 1990s. Orphaned Michelle (Brown) loses her parents and genius younger brother in a car accident at a young age. She grows up with a foster parent after the war between humans and robots comes to an end. The robots that rebelled have been given their own territory and no longer mingle with humans—the Exclusion Zone.
One day, Michelle is visited by a robot named Cosmo. He tells her that her brother is controlling him. Her brother is still alive! But where? Together with the robot, she travels across America in search of a way to enter the Exclusion Zone. Smuggler Keats (Pratt) and his robot friend Herman may be able to help her. Along the way, they embark on an adventure, encountering various robots, being pursued by an agent in a robotic suit, and being hunted by a tech giant eager to get its hands on Cosmo.
Action-packed but lacking backstory
For two hours, the Russo Brothers manage to deliver an entertaining film. However, two hours is too short to fully explore the story. Given the scale of the narrative and the universe it is set in, The Electric State feels like the second instalment in a series. The war between humans and robots is interesting enough to warrant its own film—not just the brief news montage it receives here. It’s surprising that they never started with Part 1.
This rushed introduction continues throughout the film. The potential is there, but the creators try to cram too much into a single movie. As a result, it remains entertaining, but lacks depth. The consequence? A soulless action-comedy. The characters barely develop, and the film ends rather abruptly. A few lingering questions that could have been answered are also left unresolved.
The massive budget of The Electric State
With a budget of $320 million, there is no shortage of funding. Visually, the film is stunning. The dystopian, post-war America and the robot graveyards are well-designed. Combined with the 90s aesthetic, this sets the film’s tone. The products, sweets, and music from the 90s add a small touch of nostalgia. It also results in an absurd futuristic film set in the past (again: more backstory would have been welcome here).
But the money wasn’t just spent on visuals. A significant portion undoubtedly went to the star-studded cast. In addition to Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, the film features appearances from Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Anthony Mackie, Ke Huy Quan, and Woody Harrelson. Not exactly unknown names. And they all do their best to bring the script to life, but they, too, are held back. Moreover, they are directed by the Russo Brothers, known for the Avengers two-parter Infinity War and Endgame. A two-part structure wouldn’t have been out of place here either. The Russo Brothers and the writers attempted to adapt Simon Stålenhag’s entire book in one go, but the story simply has too many layers. Denis Villeneuve solved a similar issue with Dune by turning it into a two-parter.
A big budget and a strong cast are not enough, as The Electric State proves once again. What could have been an interesting story has been turned into a rushed, soulless film. However, as a good streaming service does, Netflix’s marketing team will undoubtedly ensure this becomes a hit. Thankfully, the film is still an entertaining two-hour watch.
The Electric State (2025) – Netflix
An orphaned teen hits the road with a mysterious robot to find her long-lost brother, teaming up with a smuggler and his wisecracking sidekick.
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito and others.
Director: Anthony Russo & Joe Russo
Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Simon Stålenhag (based on the book by)
