Movies

The Electric State review: Millie Bobby Brown’s Netflix blockbuster lacks any spark

BBG News

Prior to the Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe, bringing us another thrilling Avengers pairing, they are set to reunite on Netflix with “The Electric State”, featuring the strong duo of Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in leading roles.

Given the events depicted in this two-dimensional science fiction journey, it’s clear that the Russo brothers’ comeback to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is highly anticipated by their fans.

Just as we expect “The Gray Man” to make a big impact upon its release on Netflix next week, so too do we believe that “The Electric State” will follow suit. In fact, it may even find itself among Brown’s top ten most-watched films of all time, joining last year’s hit “Damsel.

Similarly, The Electric State, starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans in a spy thriller, is a collection of familiar concepts that unfortunately falls short of living up to its potential greatness.

In the spirit of Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel, titled “The Electric State“, we find ourselves in an alternate 1994, a world changed by a conflict between mankind and the self-aware robots that once served them – until they decided they had enough.

In the end, it was humanity who triumphed, forcing the robots into exile. However, humans are not fully immersed in reality anymore either. Nowadays, everyone is hooked on neurocaster technology, a brainwave-controlled device invented by tech genius Ethan Skate (played by Stanley Tucci). This innovation enables people to command robot drones to manage their daily chores, freeing them up to pursue their dreams in a digital realm.

16-year-old Michelle Brown (previously an orphan) stands out distinctly. She shuns technology, but unexpectedly allies with a robot named Cosmo, who asserts that her presumed deceased brother Christopher is in fact alive. Notably, Cosmo possesses the knowledge required to locate him.

To locate him, Michelle must venture into the Forbidden Region, a step she’s hesitant about but finds herself in need of Keats’ (Pratt’s) assistance to access. Once there, not only might she find Christopher, but she could also uncover secrets that reveal a darkness hidden deep within the world, far more than she had ever imagined.

Many fans of Stålenhag’s work have pointed out that The Electric State appears to differ significantly from his usual style. Although the film has a distinctly different tone and feels more like a mainstream blockbuster, it does share similar bones and themes with Stålenhag’s stories. (It’s worth noting that Stålenhag himself appreciates the movie.)

The movie’s departure from its original source isn’t necessarily its main issue. However, if it leaves you yearning for more insights into events beyond its scope or its own history, it suggests that the narrative being presented may not be as engaging as one might hope.

In Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal, there’s an attempt to express feelings during the search for Christopher, but it’s challenging to empathize due to limited depiction of their bond. The movie features some flashbacks, however, it seems to prioritize a colonel (Giancarlo Esposito in another underdeveloped character) pursuing Cosmo over deepening the search for Christopher or the repetitive dialogue between Keats and his robot companion Herman (Anthony Mackie).

If you’re observant, you’ll likely figure out the truth about Michelle’s brother before she does, given that it’s a twist on the commonly used ‘humans are truly malicious’ theme. However, don’t fret if you miss it, as there will be clear explanations provided at appropriate moments to ensure everyone stays informed, even if you’re distracted by your phone.

The Russos excel at crafting action sequences and handling movies heavy on visual effects, and The Electric State delivers well in these areas. All the robots, made lifelike through motion-capture and computer-generated imagery, are remarkable. Although there aren’t many large-scale set pieces, the climax is grandly epic.

There’s often a feeling of déjà vu – and it’s not just about the mediocre Star-Lord character, Keats. In fact, in recent times, we’ve seen themes like drone warfare (in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2), humanity becoming fixated on a virtual world (Ready Player One), and human versus robot conflicts (The Creator) being portrayed in various media.

Combine the total and “The Electric State” swiftly takes on a familiar science fiction film vibe, implying that all the intriguing events transpired prior to the movie’s beginning. The Russos, along with frequent collaborators Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, have skillfully constructed an enticing and unique universe, but unfortunately chose to narrate an unsuitable story within it.

Despite its imperfections, there’s a glimmer of optimism in the finale that attempts something daring and emotional. It carries through with this, but then appears to recall it’s a Netflix production and can’t end without a follow-up, so it retreats on that powerful note with a predictable, low-budget conclusion instead.

The film mirrors its overall structure. While there are powerful aspects and moments that feel vibrant, these are frequently overshadowed by familiar elements that seem to be the reason it landed on Netflix instead of Universal, who initially owned the rights.

Could it be reasonable to anticipate higher quality from a Netflix film these days? Possibly. However, _The Electric State_ seems to represent numerous blockbusters on Netflix that meet the minimum requirements to keep viewers interested, but seldom reach the standard required for lasting impression.

The Electric State is released on Netflix on March 14.

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2025-03-07 19:44

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