# **Netflix’s *The Electric State*: A Sci-Fi Marvel or Another Letdown?**
Netflix has been making significant strides in the realm of high-budget filmmaking, and its latest sci-fi adventure, *The Electric State*, is no different. Directed by the Russo brothers (*Avengers: Endgame*), the film features Millie Bobby Brown in the role of a teenage girl navigating a dystopian America, partnered with a massive robot and a drifter portrayed by Chris Pratt. Boasting a stellar cast, impressive CGI, and a narrative inspired by Simon Stålenhag’s highly regarded illustrated book, *The Electric State* appeared poised to become a blockbuster triumph.
Nonetheless, initial reviews indicate that the film might not fulfill the anticipated promise. Critics have expressed their disappointment, characterizing it as a vacuous, CGI-laden spectacle lacking in emotional resonance. So, what went awry?
## **A Hopeful Concept with Mediocre Execution**
At its heart, *The Electric State* unfolds in an alternate-history America where cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence have contributed to a deteriorating society. The narrative centers around a young girl on a quest to locate her missing brother, assisted by a cryptic robot and a wanderer. Stålenhag’s original piece garnered acclaim for its hauntingly beautiful illustrations and thought-provoking explorations of technology, isolation, and human connection.
Regrettably, critics contend that the film interpretation does not succeed in reflecting the depth of the source material. *Looper* strongly criticized the film, positing that it feels as if the Russo brothers “hastily created” ChatGPT prompts for everything from character aesthetics to narrative elements. Other critics resonate with this view, denoting the film as a “formulaic sci-fi piece” that leans too heavily on CGI and star allure instead of gripping storytelling.
## **Critics’ Stern Reviews**
The review embargo for *The Electric State* has been lifted, and the initial wave of responses is rather disheartening. *Mashable* even claimed that the Russos “transformed a junkyard aesthetic into a trash film.” Numerous critics believe that the film emphasizes visual excitement over emotional involvement, resulting in a production that feels more like a hollow blockbuster than a significant sci-fi experience.
One particularly harsh critique on Rotten Tomatoes remarks:
> *“In its original form, The Electric State is a brilliant and insightful piece of alternative history. As a film, it’s a misuse of everyone’s time and effort.”*
This type of critique has become all too common for Netflix’s original features. While the streaming powerhouse persistently pours resources into high-profile projects, many ultimately fail to connect with audiences and critics.
## **Will It Still Be a Streaming Success?**
In spite of the unfavorable reviews, *The Electric State* might still achieve strong viewership on Netflix. The platform has a track record of converting critically maligned films into major streaming hits. Titles like *Red Notice* and *Back in Action* faced poor critiques yet continued to dominate Netflix’s Top 10 rankings for extended periods.
With Millie Bobby Brown’s *Stranger Things* following, Chris Pratt’s star appeal, and the Russo brothers’ esteemed reputation, *The Electric State* could still draw in millions of viewers. However, whether those viewers will find joy in the film remains an entirely different matter.
## **Final Thoughts**
While *The Electric State* had the promise to be a groundbreaking sci-fi film, early criticisms indicate that it falls short of expectations. Critics have derided its emotional flatness, excessive reliance on CGI, and uninspired narrative. Nevertheless, Netflix’s history reveals that even underwhelmingly reviewed films can still capture an audience.
Will *The Electric State* be regarded as an overlooked gem or just another forgettable Netflix blockbuster? Only time will reveal the answer.
