Before they make their highly anticipated return to the MCU next year, The Russo Brothers direct another movie for Netflix with The Electric State. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely pen the film's script, a loose adaption of the same-titled 2018 illustrated novel by Simon Stålenhag.
Set in an alternate, retro-futuristic version of the 1990s. Millie Bobby Brown stars as Michelle, an orphaned teenager navigating life in a society where sentient robots resembling cartoons and mascots, who once served peacefully among humans, now live in exile following a failed uprising. Everything Michelle thinks she knows about the world is upended one night when she's visited by Cosmo, a sweet, mysterious robot who appears to be controlled by Christopher — Michelle's genius younger brother whom she thought was dead.
Determined to find the beloved sibling she thought she had lost, Michelle sets out across the American southwest with Cosmo and soon finds herself reluctantly joining forces with Keats (Chris Pratt), a low-rent smuggler, and his wisecracking robot sidekick, Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie). As they venture into the Exclusion Zone, a walled-off corner in the desert where robots now exist on their own, Keats and Michelle find a strange, colorful group of new animatronic allies — and begin to learn that the forces behind Christopher's disappearance are more sinister than they ever expected.
The Russo Brothers have created an ambitious sci-fi film that blends nostalgia with stunning visuals in a surreal futuristic world. Its remarkable world-building combines a retro aesthetic with sentient giant robots, resulting in a haunting mix of charm and sadness. However, the film falls short in merging emotional depth with its action-packed narrative.
Millie Bobby Brown shoulders the film's emotional depth while playing Michelle, who searches for her lost brother after becoming an orphan. The heartwarming connection between Michelle and Cosmo, the mysterious robot, unfolds throughout their mesmerizing journey across the colorful yet barren landscapes of the American Southwest.
Chris Pratt delivers his familiar rugged charm in the role of Keats, but his character sometimes functions more as a narrative tool than a fully developed person. Anthony Mackie's robot sidekick, Herman, delivers essential humor, but certain jokes disrupt the story's somber tone.
The human supporting cast features Jason Alexander and Ke Huy Quan, while Holly Hunter and Stanely Tuicci accompany the consistently entertaining Giancarlo Esposito. Colman Domingo and Jenny Slate join Brian Cox and famed actor Hank Azaria in providing robot character voices for the film.
The film excels at creating a vivid world and impressive visuals yet frequently misses its mark with emotional moments. The story of Christopher, alongside the human-robot exile conflict, presents an intriguing premise that receives insufficient exploration. The film presents deep questions about human-technology interactions and warfare impact but stops short of a thorough exploration. The final act delivers explosive action sequences and stunning visuals but sacrifices character growth, which results in unconvincing emotional resolutions.
The Electric State will probably split viewer opinions. Movie enthusiasts who appreciate sci-fi and the Russo Brothers' intense action narratives will find plenty to enjoy about its stunning design alongside its action-packed scenes. Viewers seeking a narrative rich with character depth might discover that the movie appears visually vibrant yet lacks emotional resonance.
Final Grade: C+
The Electric State is now available to stream on Netflix.
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