Okay movie buffs you know when Netflix throws down serious cash on a film it's gotta be something big right? Well get ready for " The Electric State " the latest sci-fi flick from the Russo Brothers the guys who brought us some of the biggest Avengers movies. This one cost a staggering $320 million making it Netflix 's most expensive movie ever. But does all that money translate to movie magic? Let's dive in and see what's up with "The Electric State".
From Marvel to Retro-Future: Russo Brothers Take on Dreamy Worlds of 'The Electric State'
Joe and Anthony Russo are kind of a big deal in Hollywood. They directed a bunch of MCU hits like "Captain America: Winter Soldier" "Civil War" "Infinity War" and "Endgame". Now they are tackling a different kind of universe Simon Stålenhag's super cool retro-futuristic world from his graphic novel "The Electric State".
If you are not familiar with Stålenhag's art think cool but kinda creepy. He does these amazing digital paintings of old-school landscapes mixed with giant abandoned robots and tech from a past that never quite was. Remember that show "Tales From The Loop" on Prime Video? That was based on his art too. "The Electric State" movie is based on his 2018 graphic novel and it looks visually wild from the trailer. We are talking a mix of live-action and tons of CGI animation with robots everywhere. Producer Angela Russo-Otstot even said it has more CGI than the Russos' biggest Marvel movies! They really went all out on the visuals.
Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt Lead a Star-Studded Cast on a Robot-Filled Road Trip in the 90s
"The Electric State" throws us into an alternate 1990s America where robots are a thing but then they went rogue. Millie Bobby Brown from "Stranger Things" stars as Michelle an orphaned teenager. She is on a road trip across the American West to find her missing younger brother Christopher. Along for the ride is Cosmo a cute robot who looks like he walked out of a cartoon a smuggler named Keats played by Chris Pratt and Keats's robot sidekick Herman. It is a bit of an unusual crew right?
And the cast is stacked! Besides Brown and Pratt you have Ke Huy Quan Jason Alexander Woody Norman Giancarlo Esposito Stanley Tucci Woody Harrelson Anthony Mackie Brian Cox Jenny Slate Hank Azaria and Alan Tudyk. Seriously it is like they just grabbed every famous person they could find and put them in this movie. Even Woody Harrelson voices a robot version of Mr. Peanut for some reason. Yes really Mr. Peanut.
$320 Million and...Poor Reviews? Critics Are Not Loving "The Electric State"
Okay so here is the catch. Despite the massive budget and all-star cast early reviews for "The Electric State" are not exactly glowing. Some critics are calling it a " dreadful and derivative slog " and "Netflix's latest feature-length embarrassment." Ouch. One review even joked that Netflix spent $320 million on a movie "you'll hate."
Critics are saying the movie tries to blend humor sci-fi and action but it just ends up feeling flat and kind of boring. Apparently the robots look a bit silly like "beach balls on stick figures" even with that huge budget. And some reviewers felt the story and characters are just not that interesting. Millie Bobby Brown gets some praise for her performance but even she can't save it from being a "dud" according to one review.
It sounds like the movie might be visually impressive with all the CGI and robots but maybe the story and characters just don't quite come together. Some reviews are even comparing it to a less fun "Toy Story" meets "Fury Road" which...doesn't sound like a compliment.
Is It Worth Watching? Decide for Yourself When "The Electric State" Hits Netflix
So is "The Electric State" going to be a massive flop for Netflix despite the huge cost? It's hard to say for sure. Reviews are mixed to negative right now but maybe audiences will feel differently. If you are a fan of Millie Bobby Brown or Chris Pratt or just love cool-looking sci-fi movies you might still want to check it out and decide for yourself.
"The Electric State" is set to premiere on Netflix on March 14 2025. If you are curious to see if all that money actually shows up on screen or if it's just an expensive mess you will be able to stream it then . Maybe the visual spectacle alone will be worth the watch even if the story is a bit of a "slog" as some critics are saying.
Key Facts About "The Electric State" Movie:
- Release Date: March 14 2025 on Netflix
- Directed By: Anthony and Joe Russo (Avengers: Endgame)
- Starring: Millie Bobby Brown Chris Pratt Ke Huy Quan Jason Alexander Giancarlo Esposito Stanley Tucci Anthony Mackie Woody Harrelson
- Budget: $320 million (Netflix's most expensive movie)
- Based On: Graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag
- Plot: Teenager travels across a retro-futuristic 1990s America with a robot to find her brother
- Genre: Sci-fi adventure dystopian
Final Verdict: Will You Plug Into "The Electric State" Despite the Reviews?
"The Electric State" is definitely a movie with a lot of hype thanks to its budget star cast and the Russo Brothers' involvement. But early reviews are raising some red flags. It sounds like it might be a case of style over substance with amazing visuals but a weaker story. Still with that much money and talent involved maybe there is something there to enjoy. Will you be tuning into Netflix on March 14th to see "The Electric State" for yourself? Let us know in the comments!