The Electric State is one of the most talked-about films of 2025, representing Netflix’s attempt at a visually spectacular, high-budget science fiction adaptation. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and starring Millie Bobby Brown alongside Chris Pratt, The Electric State was highly anticipated by fans of the original illustrated novel by Simon Stålenhag. However, upon release, the film sparked mixed reactions from critics and audiences, making it one of the most debated Netflix originals of the year.
What Is The Electric State About?
Understanding the story of The Electric State is key to appreciating its ambition and its polarizing reception.
The Story and Setting
The Electric State is set in an alternate 1997 America, where society has embraced virtual reality technology at the cost of real-world connections. The protagonist, Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), is a teenager navigating this dystopian reality. When she discovers her missing brother Christopher may be in danger, she embarks on a perilous journey across a desolate and robot-occupied landscape, accompanied by a robotic companion and other unlikely allies.
The film combines post-apocalyptic visuals with a nostalgic 1990s setting, attempting to merge the retro aesthetic of Stålenhag’s illustrations with large-scale cinematic spectacle.
Casting and Key Characters
The casting of The Electric State played a major role in its high expectations.
Main Cast Members
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Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle, the determined protagonist seeking her brother.
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Chris Pratt as Keats, a smuggler who helps Michelle navigate the dangerous world.
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Anthony Mackie as the voice of Herman, a robot companion.
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Supporting actors include Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Jenny Slate, and Ke Huy Quan, contributing depth and star power to the ensemble.
The combination of established actors and rising stars was intended to give The Electric State both broad appeal and dramatic gravitas.
Production and Visual Ambition
Netflix invested heavily in The Electric State, making it one of the platform’s most expensive original films.
Budget and Visual Effects
With a production budget reportedly over $300 million, The Electric State features extensive visual effects, blending real-world sets with CGI to recreate Stålenhag’s futuristic yet decayed landscapes. The Russo brothers aimed to create an immersive cinematic experience that rivaled blockbuster films traditionally released in theaters.
Despite the visual ambition, some critics noted that the film’s emphasis on spectacle occasionally overshadowed its story and character development.
Critical and Audience Reception
The reception of The Electric State was highly polarized.
Reviews and Box Office Impact
Critics praised the film for its stunning visuals but criticized its narrative pacing and character development. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film received a low critic score, while audience reactions were somewhat higher but still mixed. Many reviewers noted that the film struggled to fully capture the emotional and atmospheric depth of the original illustrated novel.
Despite its high production value, The Electric State reportedly only achieved moderate global viewership on Netflix, sparking discussions about the risks of investing heavily in streaming-exclusive films.
Themes and Storytelling in The Electric State
Beyond its post-apocalyptic visuals, the film explored deeper themes.
Technology, Isolation, and Human Connection
The Electric State delves into the dangers of over-reliance on technology and the human desire for connection. Michelle’s journey highlights resilience, courage, and the search for family amid a society obsessed with virtual reality. While these themes are compelling, some critics felt the execution was inconsistent, leaving certain narrative threads underdeveloped.
The film also addresses the consequences of societal neglect and environmental decay, contributing to its dystopian tone.
Strengths and Weaknesses of The Electric State
Analyzing the film’s performance helps understand the audience split.
Strengths
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Stunning visuals and world-building.
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Strong performances from Millie Bobby Brown and supporting cast.
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Ambitious adaptation of a visually striking source material.
Weaknesses
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Narrative pacing issues and lack of emotional depth.
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Overreliance on CGI at the expense of character engagement.
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Some viewers found the story derivative of other dystopian sci-fi films.
Cultural Impact and Streaming Implications
The Electric State illustrates broader trends in streaming cinema.
Netflix’s Investment in High-Budget Originals
As one of Netflix’s most expensive films, The Electric State reflects the platform’s strategy of producing cinematic spectacles for streaming audiences. The mixed reception has led to discussions about the risks of prioritizing visuals over storytelling in high-budget projects.
The film also sparked debate among fans of the original novel regarding how literary or illustrated works are adapted for mainstream audiences, highlighting the challenges of balancing faithfulness to source material with cinematic appeal.
Future of Sci-Fi on Streaming Platforms
The reception of The Electric State may influence how streaming services approach similar projects in the future.
Lessons for Filmmakers
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Maintaining strong character development is critical, even in visually driven films.
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Adaptations of popular illustrated novels require careful attention to tone and atmosphere.
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High budgets do not guarantee audience engagement if the story and pacing are weak.
These lessons are likely to shape the development of upcoming sci-fi and fantasy films on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+.
Final Thoughts on The Electric State
The Elec tric State is a visually spectacular but narratively uneven film that demonstrates both the potential and pitfalls of high-budget streaming projects. While its visuals, production design, and cast performances earned praise, its storytelling shortcomings and pacing issues left critics and some audiences divided.
For viewers seeking an ambitious dystopian sci-fi experience, The Elec tric State offers stunning imagery and world-building. For those prioritizing narrative cohesion and emotional depth, the film may fall short. Ultimately, The Elec tric State stands as a significant, if controversial, entry in Netflix’s cinematic portfolio.
