The Electric State (2025) – Full Details on Success, Features, and Concept

 Electric State

"The Electric State" is a sci-fi adventure film directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, based on Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 graphic novel. The film, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, was released on Netflix on March 14, 2025. It features a retro-futuristic 1990s America, where an orphaned teenager and her robot companion embark on a journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape filled with remnants of a failed robotic uprising.

Concept & Features:

1. Setting & Visuals: The film presents an alternate 1990s America filled with abandoned drones, fallen robots, and decaying technology from a war that humans barely survived. The worldbuilding is heavily inspired by Stålenhag’s original artwork, using a blend of practical effects and high-budget CGI.

2. Storyline: Millie Bobby Brown plays Michelle, a teenager searching for her missing brother. She’s accompanied by Cosmo, a sentient robot. Chris Pratt plays Keats, a smuggler who helps her on her quest. The film explores themes of loss, technology gone wrong, and human resilience.

3. Production & Budget: With a $320 million budget, this is Netflix's most expensive movie ever. The film aimed to merge high-concept sci-fi with emotional storytelling, much like "Blade Runner 2049" and "Stranger Things." VFX-heavy sequences included robotic landscapes, abandoned megacities, and dystopian technology.

Success & Reception:

Financial Performance: Despite its massive budget, early signs suggest the film underperformed compared to Netflix's expectations.

Critical Response: Rotten Tomatoes Score: 17% (critics) General criticism: "Dumb, unfunny, and visually overwhelming." Some praise for visual effects, but the story and dialogue received harsh reviews.

Audience Response: Viewers appreciated the visuals and worldbuilding but found the pacing slow and the characters underdeveloped. The film struggled to connect emotionally despite its ambitious premise.

Potential Improvements for the Future:

Better Story Development: Critics noted the narrative was weak, relying too much on action sequences. Future projects could focus on deeper character arcs and dialogue.

Stronger Emotional Core: The film attempted a sentimental tone, but some audiences found it forced. A more character-driven approach like "Interstellar" might work better.

More engaging action sequences: Some action scenes were described as repetitive. A more strategic mix of tension, stakes, and action variety could improve engagement.

Better Pacing: The film’s runtime felt too long for the amount of meaningful plot development. A more balanced screenplay could prevent dragging moments.

Future of The Electric State Franchise

Given the mixed reception, a sequel or spin-off is unlikely unless viewership on Netflix surges. However, Netflix may consider an animated series or a smaller-scale project if demand grows.