# **The Electric State: A Sci-Fi Journey Realized by the Russo Brothers**
## **Introduction**
Anthony and Joe Russo, the innovative directors behind *Avengers: Endgame*, have ventured once again into the realm of science fiction with their newest film, *The Electric State*. Based on the graphic novel created by Swedish artist and designer Simon Stålenhag, the film depicts a dystopian alternate version of 1990s America, where humans and robots exist side by side in a war-torn landscape. Featuring a distinctive visual aesthetic, a captivating narrative, and a prominent cast, *The Electric State* offers a cinematic adventure that fuses nostalgia with forward-thinking storytelling.
## **A Tale of Survival and Exploration**
At its heart, *The Electric State* chronicles the journey of a young girl, Michelle (portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown), who sets out on a nationwide quest alongside her robotic companion, Cosmo (voiced by Alan Tudyk). Her goal? To locate her missing genius brother, Christopher (Woody Norman), while staying one step ahead of a relentless federal agent (Giancarlo Esposito). Throughout their adventure, Michelle and Cosmo build an unexpected partnership with a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt) and his witty robot sidekick, Herman (Anthony Mackie).
The film showcases an array of quirky and unforgettable robot characters, such as Mr. Peanut (Woody Harrelson), Popfly (Brian Cox), Penny Pal (Jenny Slate), Perplex (Hank Azaria), Garbage Bot (Billy Gardell), and Mrs. Scissors (Susan Leslie). Meanwhile, the villain, Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci), is the architect of Christopher’s disappearance and has dark schemes that Michelle must unravel.
## **A Distinctive Visual Style**
Although Stålenhag’s original illustrations are celebrated for their eerie, desolate landscapes, the Russo brothers chose to embrace a more vibrant 1990s visual style. This choice elicited mixed responses from fans of the graphic novel, but Stålenhag himself commended the adaptation, asserting that the film effectively embodied the spirit of his original ideas.
The film’s production designer, Dennis Gassner, was instrumental in defining the movie’s visual character. With an impressive portfolio that includes *Blade Runner 2049*, *Skyfall*, and *The Truman Show*, Gassner utilized his talents to construct over 100 distinct sets and a variety of original robot characters. His philosophy? “When in doubt, make it beautiful.”
## **Bringing Robots to Reality**
A particularly intriguing element of *The Electric State* is its eclectic cast of robots, each embodying unique traits and emotional journeys. The Russo brothers aimed for the robots to resonate authentically with the alternate 1990s backdrop while retaining familiarity. As Joe Russo articulated, the designs drew inspiration from retro commercials, shopping centers, and corporate branding.
Gassner and his team created around 175 robots, diligently selecting those that best suited the narrative. The most significant challenge was designing Cosmo, Michelle’s robotic friend. In the graphic novel, Cosmo has an oversized head, which posed practical difficulties for a real-world robot. To address this, the team modified the proportions and integrated piston armatures to stabilize the head. Even Stålenhag was impressed, remarking that Cosmo’s movements matched his vision precisely.
## **Innovative Set Construction**
The film’s sets were painstakingly designed to embody the universe of *The Electric State*. The headquarters of Sentre Technologies, the film’s malevolent corporation, exhibits a brutalist and sterile appearance, while Keats’ hideout is filled with nostalgic artifacts from the 1980s and 1990s. One of the standout locations was the neglected Blue Sky Acres Mall near Atlanta, which served as a refuge for the misplaced robots. The production crew converted old storefronts into functional areas, including a pizza oven transformed into a metal recycling facility and a juice bar repurposed as a charging station.
## **A Fusion of Practical and Digital Visuals**
Though CGI was fundamental in animating the robots, the filmmakers also integrated practical effects whenever feasible. Roboticist Dennis Hong from UCLA even constructed a working version of Cosmo for promotional showcases. His team developed a novel actuator type that simulates artificial muscles, enabling the robot to move in a realistic manner.
## **Conclusion**
*The Electric State* is a visually captivating and emotionally resonant sci-fi journey that delves into themes of technology, human relationships, and survival. With its intriguing characters, stunning production design, and a blend of humor and heart, the film is essential viewing for enthusiasts of both science fiction and nostalgic narratives.
Now available for streaming on Netflix, *The Electric State* invites audiences to embark on a journey through a world where robots and humans must collaborate to unveil the truth. Whether you’re a long-time admirer of the original graphic novel or a newcomer to Stålenhag’s universe, this
