A few years back, if someone had told me we’d get a new film from the creators of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Captain America: Civil War, Avengers: Infinity War, and Avengers: Endgame, I would have been ecstatic. However, my enthusiasm has waned over time, and now we have The Electric State, a Netflix movie that hasn’t generated much cultural buzz before its release. Although Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 novel enjoys a dedicated fanbase, this film is unlikely to achieve the cultural significance that their Marvel work has attained. Unfortunately, it’s a run-of-the-mill movie that doesn’t live up to expectations on most counts.
The team consisting of writers Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, and directors Anthony and Joe Russo is undeniably gifted. At times, it’s hard not to miss the exceptional work they produced in the Marvel Cinematic Universe when some more recent projects underperform.
I’m quite excited for the Russos to come back to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars. Frankly, their directorial ventures outside of this series haven’t been successful, as Apple TV’s Cherry and Netflix’s The Grey Man have received negative reviews from critics.
In this rephrased version, Millie Bobby Brown, known for her roles in Stranger Things and Enola Holmes, takes center stage as Michelle. The movie opens by showcasing her strong bond with her younger brother Christopher, portrayed by the remarkably skilled child actor Woody Norman, who first made a mark in C’mon C’mon. As news broadcasts unfold, we come to understand the backdrop: a conflict has arisen between humans and robots that has been resolved through an unusual alliance, with Michelle’s brother Christopher now appearing as a robot. The story takes place in an alternate 1994 dystopia, where hostilities still simmer among the species, but peace prevails. Following a tragic event, Michelle believes her brother has reappeared to her in mechanical form.
The story about a “girl and her robot” takes place in a unique environment, offering immense possibilities. For instance, the film “The Electric State” had a massive budget of $320 million. Some of this is evident in the film, such as the star-studded cast featuring A-list actors, both on-screen and through voiceovers, and the smooth integration of visual effects. This movie boasts an impressive amount of visual effects (VFX), and unlike many contemporary films where flaws become apparent, it’s hard to distinguish CGI from reality because the world appears so authentic.
In considering The Electric State, it’s worth noting the tone might be a factor. It’s unclear if the dark humor is consistent throughout, but the robot army leader, who resembles a popular food mascot, initially had me in stitches. However, what perplexes me is that while the film seems to acknowledge the character’s absurdity early on, they later involve this character in serious discussions, making it hard for me to maintain a serious perspective.
There’s an intriguing concept here involving a recent technological advancement that enables individuals to partition their brain networks, allowing them to work and enjoy leisure activities simultaneously. Frankly, I could use such technology myself. However, this seems to depict numerous people living out their entire lives with their heads immersed in Virtual Reality devices that resemble portable vacuum cleaners. This is reminiscent of movies like Ready Player One, which somewhat lessens the excitement of this film because it feels like an expensive production lacking fresh concepts.
In my opinion, what makes this movie truly standout is Millie Bobby Brown’s captivating performance. She showcases her exceptional acting skills yet again as a convincing leading lady. The most impactful scenes in the film are those that delve deeper into her character. Michelle is a complex character who mourns the loss of her family, particularly her brother, with whom she shared an unbreakable bond. When the story takes a pause to explore their relationship, it’s truly moving. Unfortunately, one area where this movie falls short is Chris Pratt’s portrayal. Critics often criticize actors like Ryan Reynolds for repeating the same character in multiple films. Similarly, Pratt has been typecast in recent years, reprising his role as a charismatic action hero with a comedic twist, which he first gained fame for in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World.
In this film, Pratt is competent but predictable, offering no fresh take on his character. His partnership with Michelle lacks depth, despite their contrasting personalities being compelled to work together. The retro sci-fi elements provide some enjoyment, yet the humor falls flat and the action scenes are forgettable. This movie’s climax shines brightest when focusing on Brown, rather than during the lengthy “grand battle” sequences involving Pratt. Overall, the characters and conflicts fail to engage us fully.
The situation is particularly disheartening due to the squandered possibilities. An exciting scene unfolds within an abandoned amusement park – a spot tailor-made for action! Imagine a high-speed bumper car chase, or a thrilling gunfight on the merry-go-round! Regrettably, the movie fails to leverage its captivating backdrop and character dynamics effectively. Michelle’s bond with her brother is robust, but he scarcely appears. The characters we follow throughout the narrative lack engaging interactions among themselves.
The Electric State Review: Final Verdict
Even with a powerful foundation of content and stunning visuals, it’s not always possible to transcend the cliches often found in typical Netflix blockbusters.
SCORE: 5/10
According to the explanation in ComingSoon’s review policy, a rating of 5 signifies “Average” or “Mediocre.” In this case, the film’s strengths and weaknesses cancel each other out, resulting in an overall neutral assessment.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our The Electric State review.
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2025-03-07 18:30