The Electric State: A Costly Yet Disappointing Sci-Fi Adventure

Introduction

The Electric State is one of Netflix’s most ambitious projects, featuring a massive budget of $320 million and a star-studded cast. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the filmmakers behind Avengers: Endgame, the film draws inspiration from Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel. Despite its grand scale, the film fails to deliver the depth or originality expected from such an expensive production, instead offering a visually captivating yet narratively shallow experience.

The Story and Themes

Set in a world where artificial intelligence has become a significant part of society, the story follows Michelle (played by Millie Bobby Brown), a young woman searching for her brother, whose mind has been transferred into a robot after a tragic accident. The film explores the relationship between humans and robots, with a focus on themes of power, rebellion, and the clash between the past and future.

The premise holds potential, especially with its futuristic world, but the plot quickly devolves into a predictable, formulaic narrative. Despite some intriguing visual elements, the story lacks the depth to match the world it attempts to portray.

The Characters

Despite an impressive cast, including Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, and Giancarlo Esposito, the characters in The Electric State are disappointingly flat. Millie Bobby Brown’s protagonist is particularly forgettable, with little character development or emotional depth. Chris Pratt’s performance, while solid, falls into the realm of cliché, offering little beyond what we’ve seen in countless other films.

The robots, designed to be both humorous and helpful, end up as generic sidekicks, further contributing to the film’s lack of originality. Even with the star power, the characters fail to make a lasting impact.

Visuals and Direction

One of the few highlights of The Electric State is its visual design. The world-building and special effects are undeniably impressive, capturing the juxtaposition of retro ’80s and ’90s aesthetics with futuristic technology. However, the film’s visuals are unable to compensate for its weak script and uninspired direction. The Russo brothers, who have a proven track record in action-packed superhero films, struggle to create meaningful moments or powerful imagery in this more grounded sci-fi setting.

Conclusion

While The Electric State benefits from a high production value and an interesting visual concept, it ultimately falters due to its uninspired storytelling, shallow characters, and lack of emotional resonance. Despite its massive budget and star-studded cast, the film feels like a missed opportunity to create a truly impactful sci-fi experience.