With their latest ambitious entry, Netflix’s “The Electric State”, directors Joe and Anthony Russo once again show their ability to craft visually stunning spectacles, though this one doesn’t quite soar as high as their previous hits, such as The Avengers.
🍿🥃 Rating: 🥃🥃🥃 3 Stars – House Specialty (Decent, But Won’t Blow Your Mind)
High Expectations Meet Mixed Results
After shaping pop-culture landmarks like the MCU’s Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, along with the beloved cult comedy series Community, audience expectations understandably ran high for another Russo triumph. Unfortunately, while impressive in scope and visual execution, this film is ultimately more middling than marvelous.
An Intriguing Yet Familiar Story
Adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s acclaimed graphic novel of the same name, The Electric State plunges us into a retro-futuristic America, circa the mid-1990s, a society that doesn’t really seem “necessary” (other than to propel the story) following a conflict between humans and robots. Humanity now coexists with abandoned, malfunctioning robots, now living on a reservation. The fact that the reservation is in the American Southwest (with no allusion to ANY other robot settlements) is a little heavy handed.
At the center of the narrative is Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphan teenager compelled by the mysterious disappearance of her younger brother. Determined to find him, Michelle embarks on a perilous cross-country journey accompanied by Keats (Chris Pratt), a guarded and enigmatic former soldier whose past slowly unravels as their bond strengthens and his robot friend Herman, a sentient robot voiced brilliantly by Anthony Mackie, whose sharp wit and human-like personality become one of the film’s unexpected highlights.
Stunning Visuals Can’t Overcome a Blurred Identity
Yet, despite the engaging central performances, especially from Millie Bobby Brown, breaking away from Stranger Things’ Eleven and who channels earnest determination, and Pratt’s ever-reliable charm, The Electric State never fully gels into the cohesive vision it promises. Much of this can be attributed to its uncertain identity, constantly shifting between sci-fi adventure, heartwarming family drama, cautionary tale on humanity’s dependence on technology and artificial intelligence, and deep, introspective human-interest exploration. The result is a narrative that feels simultaneously ambitious and scattered, never completely committing to one thematic direction long enough to leave a lasting impression.
This unevenness might be surprising, given that the screenplay comes from frequent Russo-collaborators Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who penned both Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, and previously impressed audiences with their tight scripting in the Russo-directed Captain America: Winter Soldier and Civil War. Fans familiar with Markus and McFeely’s precise character development and emotionally resonant storytelling might find The Electric State somewhat underwhelming by comparison.
Visually Impressive but Emotionally Shallow
Visually, however, the film is undeniably gorgeous. The richly detailed world—filled with abandoned mechanical behemoths and sprawling dystopian landscapes—reflects a thoughtfully crafted aesthetic that captures Stålenhag’s distinctive artistic style. The film effortlessly blends practical sets with CGI animation to create a believable yet surreal environment. But strong visuals alone can’t elevate a narrative that struggles to find emotional resonance and tension. The music soundtrack features some amazing 90s music and the occasional easter egg (Windows ’95) DO add some fun to the movie, though.
Casting Hits and Misses
Compounding the film’s issues is the antagonist, played by the impeccable Stanley Tucci. Tucci, an actor who practically radiates charm, feels miscast as the film’s villain. It’s simply difficult to truly dislike or fear a presence as innately likable as Tucci’s, thus undermining any intended sense of menace. The central threat, a human-robot mind-meld intended as a terrifying existential danger, similarly falls flat. Rather than evoking dread or suspense, it instead generates confusion, dampening the narrative’s emotional stakes.
Anthony Mackie, however, manages to bring levity and genuine delight in his performance as Herman, the wisecracking robotic companion. Mackie continues his impressive string of recent successes—including Captain America: Brave New World and the gripping thriller Elevation—and offers some genuinely memorable moments that elevate the movie whenever he appears.
Russo Brothers: Victims of Their Own Success?
The Russo brothers, known primarily for their expert management of massive ensemble casts and tight narrative control in previous works, seem somewhat adrift in the film’s sprawling plot. Audiences accustomed to the tight pacing, coherent narrative arcs, and deeply satisfying conclusions that marked their Marvel masterpieces might find The Electric State noticeably less refined. It’s a classic case of heightened expectations overshadowing a good—but not exceptional—movie.
In the end, Netflix’s The Electric State is watchable, well produced, and sufficiently entertaining for a casual viewing. It boasts a talented cast, great music, fun Easter eggs, mesmerizing visuals, and intriguing ideas about humanity’s complex relationship with technology. However, its genre confusion, underdeveloped antagonist, and somewhat unfocused storytelling prevent it from leaving a meaningful impact.
At CocktailsandMovies.com, we rate this visually stunning yet narratively uneven film as a solid B- or 🥃🥃🥃 3 Stars – House Specialty: it’s a movie you’ll enjoy while it lasts, but may struggle to recall vividly once the credits roll.
