03/23/2025
HIGH VOLTAGE SCI-FI
“The Electric State” Charges Ahead on Netflix
The Russo Brothers New Science Fiction Epic
Stunning Visuals, Engaging Story, Great Special Effects
By Rami Chiaviello
“The Electric State” - directed by Joe and Anthony Russo - is a sci-fi epic both visually stunning and emotionally powerful. The story engages the audience to reconsider a relationship with technology that controls our lives. By blending remarkable special effects, detailed world-building, and masterful storytelling, the Russo’s once again create a film enjoyable for viewers of all ages. Released on Netflix, the film’s charm and excitement entices subsequent viewings.
Based on the novel by Simon Stålenhag “The Electric State” takes place in an alternate history, one where robots advanced far earlier in our timeline, resulting in a brutal conflict between humanity and artificial intelligence. At the center of this conflict is Ethan Skater (Stanley Tucci), CEO of tech conglomerate Sentre, whose Neurocaster System changes the tides of battle. By allowing people to upload their consciousness into drones, humanity defeats the robots, banishing them to the “exclusion zone,” a vast swath of desert in the heart of the American southwest. However, the success of Neurocaster results in humanity opting to live their lives virtually, detached from the real world in favor of a digital existence.
“The Electric State” follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphaned teen searching for her deceased brother, Christopher (Woody Norman). Accompanied by a mysterious robot companion named Cosmo, Michelle embarks on a dangerous journey across ravaged America. Along the way, she teams up with a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt) and a rag-tag group of malfunctioning, yet charming robots, who ultimately aid her on her quest. As the film progresses, Michelle’s mission leads to a confrontation with Sentre, something that will ultimately determine the future of humanity.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its world building. The setting is a landscape both eerie and beautiful. Sprawling wide shots are full of abandoned technology, degrading scrap, and the decay of a once thriving society. The film provides a clear visual language about the effects of war. The world has become a desolate and hollow shell of its former grandeur. There is a great attention to detail. Rust and soot on old abandoned military drones, dirt and grime scattered along the roads and buildings, highlight a society that no longer takes pride in their communities. This contrasts with the sleek, clean and highly advanced design of Sentre’s vast data centers; large protruding fortresses of machine, metal, and wires, now fully encapsulating the skyline of the world’s once iconic cities.
The special effects are another highlight of the film. They are so seamless, that it's not fully clear where the practical effects end and the computer-generated effects begin. This is a testament to the technical prowess and storytelling behind the film. Each robot is crafted with an immense amount of care and respect to the world the filmmakers build. The robots are the clear highlight of “The Electric State,” blending technical mastery and masterful design, creating characters that are instantly appealing. Standouts include Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie), a witty construction robot and the primary comic relief, and Mr. Peanut voiced by Woody Harrelson. Mr. Peanut (yes, the Planter’s mascot) is not your traditional Hollywood “product placement,” rather, he’s a fully fleshed out character with clear goals and motivations. He becomes a central the film’s theme, asking key questions about freedom, artificial intelligence, and what it means to be alive.
Beyond the stunning visuals, “The Electric State” carries a strong emotional and thematic core. The relationship between Michelle and Cosmo is at the heart of the film, enforcing themes of family, loss, and acceptance. The film argues that the symbiotic relationship that exists between the digital and real world is not a force for progress, but a force that has fractured and ultimately regressed the human spirit. The film asks the viewer to consider their relationship with technology, ultimately advocating for a rejection of technology, and a prioritization of human relationship over artificial advancement.
“The Electric State” is a fun, family-friendly adventure with strong special effects, detailed world-building, excellent performances, and an emotional central message. The film is more than a sci-fi, dystopian road trip, but an exciting piece that delivers a heartfelt story about connection, memory, and what it means to be alive.
Editor’s Note: Log on to Netflix to see “The Electric State.” The web site for AGBO is: https://www.agbo.com
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