Thomas Storai 
“The Electric State is nothing we haven’t seen before. But it’s still an entertaining adventure led by an all-star cast. This visual spectacle is worth watching.”
Before the Russo Brothers return to the MCU next year, they are venturing in a new scifi adventure for Netflix. The Electric State is written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely who previously worked with the Russos on their Marvel films. This one is loosely based on the illustrated novel of the same name by Simon Stålenhag. It stars Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Giancarlo Esposito and Stanley Tucci. The film releases tomorrow on Netflix.
STORY
The Electric State is set in an alternate version of the 1990s after the robots lost the war against the humans and are now in exile. The story follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphan who meets a robot Cosmo seemingly controlled by her brother she though was dead. She embarks on an adventure across the American southwest to find reunite with him. On her journey, she joins forces with Keats (Chris Pratt) and his robot Herman (Anthony Mackie) who are low-rent smugglers.
It is an adaptation but I haven’t read the source material so I’m only judging it for itself. Honestly, it’s nothing we haven’t seen before. There is nothing really original in there. There is definitely a criticism of today’s society that is hypnotized by screens. The message is there but the story can be clumsy at times with what it is trying to tell. However, it doesn’t mean you can’t have a good time watching it. The Russo brothers do what they do best with this one – entertaining the audience. They know how to make a popcorn film. It doesn’t matter if it’s not groundbreaking or anything. A popcorn film is there to give you a good time. And that’s exactly what this film does.
VISUALS
Undoubtedly, The Electric State is a visual spectacle that is meant to be seen on a big screen. It’s a Netflix release so you can’t but if you have a big 4K television, it will do the trick. There are several dazzling shots of the robots and the scenery especially the one in the desert. Design-wise, it’s also quite creative with so many different robots. The production design team went all in with that. There is good worldbuilding in this film. And since it’s set in the 1990s, there is a retro-tech aesthetic that is pleasing for the eyes.
CAST
Moreover, the film is lead by an all-star cast but it doesn’t make the best use of its talents. Indeed, Giancarlo Esposito and Ke Huy Quan are actors who deserve substantial material to play with. Unfortunately, their characters are underdeveloped. There was clearly more to tell with them. It’s missed opportunities. On the bright side, Stanley Tucci has more to play with than them as the CEO of the tech company. This role suits him. To voice the robots, the Russos have gathered so many talented actors like Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie and Brian Cox. It’s delightful to have them voice these characters. On top of that, Chris Pratt continues to prove he’s a great lead. However, Millie Bobby Brown sometimes lacks the emotional depth required for her character.
VERDICT
The Electric State is nothing we haven’t seen before. But, it’s still an entertaining adventure lead by an all-star cast. This visual spectacle is worth watching.
The Electric State releases tomorrow on Netflix.Â
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
