The Electric State is a dystopian sci-fi action adventure film directed by the Russo Brothers (Joe, Anthony), released on Netflix on March 14, 2025. The film, written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, is based on the 2018 illustrated novel by Simon Stalenhag and is one of the most expensive films on Netflix, with a budget of $320 million. The movie, which stars Millie Bobby Brown (Stranger Things), Chris Pratt (Guardians of the Galaxy), Ki Hyo Kwon, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Woody Harrelson (voice), Anthony Mackie (voice), has a 17% score on Rotten Tomatoes and received scathing reviews like “Turgid Eyesore” (The Times), “Soulless” (Hollywood Reporter), and “Dumb and Unfunny” (Business Insider). While some in X commented that “VFX is great, but story is boring”, others in Empire and Telegraph praised it as “breezily watchable”. How did the Telugu audience feel about this retro-futuristic adventure? Let me share my feelings, highlights, and shortcomings in this review!
What's the story?
Set in an alternate reality in the 1990s, The Electric State depicts a dystopian America after a war between robots and humans. Sentient robots (like cartoon mascots) invented by Walt Disney turn on humans, are defeated, and are exiled to a facility in New Mexico called the "Exclusion Zone." Humans are immersed in virtual reality with VR helmets called "Neurocasters" and forget about the real world. Against this backdrop, an orphaned teenager named Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown) believes her younger brother Christopher (Woody Norman) is dead. However, she discovers that her brother is alive through a small robot named Cosmo, and sets out to the Exclusion Zone to find him. She is joined on this journey by Keats (Chris Pratt) and his wisecracking robot sidekick Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie). They are pursued on this road trip by Colonel Marshall Bradbury (Giancarlo Esposito) and tech billionaire Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci). Will Michelle find her brother? What is the secret behind this robot-human conflict? That is the story.
My Feelings: VFX are great, but soul is missing!
When the movie starts, the robot war montage, retro-90s vibe, and rusty robot visuals make you think, “Wow, this is going to be a Terminator meets E.T. blockbuster!” The VFX and production design are super impressive—the robots (Mr. Peanut, Mr. Met, etc.) and the Exclusion Zone visuals justify the $320 million budget. But after 30 minutes, the story falls flat. Michelle and Keats’ characters lack emotional depth, the dialogue feels forced, and the humor feels cringe-worthy. For example, the scene where Keats turns on the lights by saying “Clap on!” or the “Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch” joke makes you think, “Is this seriously funny?” As one user on X wrote, “VFX feast, but story is a tire fire!” I agree with the sentiment.
The melancholy and satirical commentary on technology-consumerism in Simon Stalenhag’s novel is completely missing from this movie. Themes like neurocasters and robot-human conflict remain at the surface level. The action scenes feel repetitive and predictable—in one scene, the heroes run away without picking up a gun, and illogical moments like the marshal dropping the gun frustrated the audience. The Telugu audience, who are fans of sci-fi blockbusters like Robot and Ready Player One, may like the VFX and robots, but the lack of story and emotions disappoints.
Technical aspects, acting
Technically, The Electric State is a visual feast. The VFX, robot designs (Mr. Peanut, baseball robot), and the exclusion zone setting are amazing. The cinematography captures the retro-futuristic 90s vibe well. The Russo brothers and Terry Notary team bring the robots to life with motion capture. Alan Silvestri's background score provided decent support, but needle drops like Judas Priest, The Clash, and "Wonderwall" felt forced and unnecessary. The editing dragged on a few scenes with its slow pace. Millie Bobby Brown (Michelle)'s acting was sincere at times, but the way her character was written lacked emotional investment. Chris Pratt (Keats) seemed like a recycled, flat version of his star-lord persona. Voice actors like Woody Harrelson (Mr. Peanut's voice), Anthony Mackie (Herman), Brian Cox, and Jenny Slate gave the robots some charm. Stanley Tucci and Giancarlo Esposito did decently with their screen time, but their roles were underwritten.
Likes, Dislikes
Likes:
VFX & Production Design: Robots, Exclusion Zone, Rusty Wasteland Visuals are stunning.
Robot Characters: The voice acting and design of robots like Mr. Peanut and Herman are fun.
Cinematography: The retro-futuristic 90s vibe is well captured.
Short Runtime: Decent for a family movie night at 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Dislikes:
Story, Writing: Flat narrative, lack of emotional depth, predictable twists are disappointing.
Millie, Chris Performances: Bobby Brown, Pratt's characters feel flat and recycled.
Forced Humor: Cringe dialogues, missing funny timing. “Clap on!” Jokes like this fail.
World-building lock: Neurocasters, robot war rules not clearly explained, stakes undefined.
Source material loss: The melancholy, satirical depth of Stalenhag's novel are completely missing.
Who should watch it?
This movie can be a light weekend watch for Stranger Things, Guardians of the Galaxy fans, Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt fans. Those who like sci-fi adventures like Ready Player One, I, Robot, and VFX-heavy movies may like the visuals. There is action and mild violence with a PG-13 rating, so families and teens can watch (with parental guidance). Telugu, Hindi, English dubbing, and subtitles are available. But, this movie may disappoint the Telugu audience expecting emotional depth and tight story like Baahubali and RRR. Although it opened as #1 in Netflix's top 10, reviews suggest that it may not have long-tail viewership.
Rating: 2.5/5
The Electric State impressed with its stunning VFX, robot designs, retro-futuristic visuals, but disappointed with a flat story, lack of emotional depth, forced humor, and weak writing. The Russo Brothers' Avengers: Endgame magic was not recreated, and Stalenhag's novel depth was completely missed. A light, forgettable watch for sci-fi adventure, VFX lovers, but a deep story, emotions can be skipped. Netflix Family Movie Night Decent, But There's No Spark!
Release Date: March 14, 2025 (Netflix)
Streaming: Netflix
Directors: Joe Russo, Anthony Russo
Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Kee Hyuk Kwon, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Woody Harrelson (voice), Anthony Mackie (voice)
Rating: PG-13 (Mild Violence, Action)