Okay movie buffs you know Netflix sometimes goes big but their new movie The Electric State is HUGE. Like reportedly 300 million dollars huge making it Netflix's priciest film ever. With that kind of cash splashed around you expect something amazing right? Well the reviews are in and things are… complicated . Let's unpack this electric trAIn wreck or potential masterpiece depending on who you ask.
Netflix Goes All Out: 'The Electric State' Boasts Massive Budget and A-List Talent But Does It Deliver?
So The Electric State is directed by the Russo Brothers you know the guys behind those little indie films Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame. Yeah those movies. They teamed up again with writers Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely who also worked on those Avengers flicks. This time they are adapting an illustrated novel by Simon Stalenhag and they brought along Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt for the ride. Sounds like a recipe for success right?
The movie is set in an alternate 1990s where robots are everywhere but humanity is dealing with the aftermath of a robot war. Millie Bobby Brown plays Michelle a teenager who thinks her lost brother is somehow controlling a robot named Cosmo. Cosmo is this grinning metallic dude with a Bob's Big Boy haircut who only speaks in TV catchphrases. Weird? Definitely.
Visually the movie does look like they spent some serious dough. There are robot-filled wastelands massive battles and underground lairs packed with stuff. Some reviewers admit the movie LOOKS expensive. But does looking expensive equal being good?
Critics Slam 'Electric State' as a "Nightmare" and "Anti-Event Movie": Is it Really That Bad?
Here's where things get a bit bumpy. Critics are not exactly throwing roses at The Electric State. One review called it "one of the worst movies of the decade so far." Ouch. Another review from IGN gave it a score of 4 out of 10 calling it a "$300-million anti-event movie". Slate described it as a "Netflix nightmare" and questioned where all that money went beyond just visuals.
Common complaints? Apparently the tone is all over the place. Despite being set in a post-war world it's described as "chipper" and "aggressively chipper". Characters speak in constant sarcastic jokes and even the villains are generic. Some reviews say it lacks imagination inspiration and just plain fun. Ouch again.
One review even compared it unfavorably to Spielberg movies of the 80s but not in a good way more like "cut-rate Spielberg imitations". They say it feels like a mashup of pop culture references without any real original ideas. Basically some critics are saying all that money couldn't buy heart soul or a good story.
AI in Filmmaking: Russo Brothers Defend 'Electric State' Voice Modulation Sparks Debate
Adding another layer of controversy The Electric State used AI for voice modulation . Director Joe Russo defended this saying it was "something any 10-year-old could do after watching a TikTok video." He downplayed concerns about AI taking over creative jobs arguing that AI is just a tool and "best suited towards creativity".
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos chimed in last year claiming audiences "don't care" if AI is used and that it's "a great way for creators to tell better stories." However many artists disagree feeling AI is the opposite of creativity. This whole AI thing in Electric State is definitely sparking debate about the future of filmmaking and how technology is being used.
Electric State Universe? Sequel Unlikely But a Show Might Be in the Works (Maybe)
Despite the rough reviews is there any chance of more Electric State? Well probably not a movie sequel. The Russo Brothers themselves said Electric State 2 is "likely not happening." However they did hint at a potential show set in the same universe. They mentioned they "love immersive worlds" and are discussing a " potential show idea ".
But even they seem unsure if it will actually happen. Given the movie's high cost mixed audience scores and bad reviews it is definitely questionable. One source even joked "I personally hated this movie. I would not watch a show. But it’s not really up to me." So a show is a possibility but don't hold your breath.
Key Facts About Netflix's 'The Electric State':
- Budget: Reportedly over $300 million (Netflix's most expensive movie)
- Directors: Russo Brothers (Joe and Anthony Russo - Avengers: Endgame Infinity War)
- Writers: Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (Avengers screenwriters)
- Starring: Millie Bobby Brown Chris Pratt Ke Huy Quan Stanley Tucci Giancarlo Esposito Woody Harrelson Anthony Mackie
- Based on: Illustrated novel by Simon Stalenhag
- Setting: Alternate 1990s post-robot war USA
- Plot: Teenager searches for her lost brother believing he controls a robot
- Critical Reception: Mostly negative "nightmare" "anti-event movie" "lacks imagination"
- Audience Reception: Mixed "good-but-not amazing audience scores"
- Possible Spin-off: Show in development but uncertain
- AI Controversy: Used AI for voice modulation sparking debate
The Verdict: Electric State - Expensive Spectacle or Just an Expensive Mistake for Netflix?
So is The Electric State worth watching? That's the million-dollar question or rather the 300-million-dollar question. Visually it might be impressive and it has a big cast. But be warned critics are really tearing it apart for a weak story and messy tone. If you are curious about seeing Netflix's most expensive gamble you might want to check it out yourself. Just don't go in expecting another Avengers-level masterpiece. You might be better off lowering expectations and hoping for some cool visuals and maybe a few unintentional laughs. Let us know in the comments what YOU think of The Electric State!