The Electric State – A Retro-Futuristic Adventure with Big Ambitions
Imagine an alternate 1990s America, where towering robots roam a desolate landscape, a war has reshaped the world, and a lone teenager embarks on a perilous journey to find her lost brother. That’s the setting of The Electric State , the latest sci-fi adventure directed by the Russo brothers, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt. Based on Simon Stålenhag’s visually stunning 2018 book, this film brings a unique blend of nostalgia, action, and spectacle—though not without some bumps along the way.
The story follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), a determined orphan who ventures into a dangerous exclusion zone accompanied by a mysterious robot companion. Along the way, she crosses paths with Keats (Chris Pratt), a hardened smuggler with his own past, and together they navigate a world where artificial intelligence once fought for independence. In this version of the 1990s, robots—originally created for Disney theme parks—evolved beyond their intended roles, demanding rights, which led to a devastating war. Now, these machines are confined to a vast, desolate zone, creating an eerie, retro-futuristic wasteland.
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As expected from the directors of Avengers: Endgame , the film is a visual spectacle. The expansive budget is evident in the jaw-dropping special effects and faithful recreations of Stålenhag’s breathtaking landscapes. The combination of high-tech visuals with a ‘90s aesthetic gives The Electric State a distinct identity, making it stand out in the sci-fi genre. The film leans into action-packed sequences and a grand adventure feel, though it deviates from the quiet introspection of its source material.
The characters, however, don’t always shine as brightly as the world they inhabit. While Brown and Pratt deliver solid performances, their on-screen chemistry feels less compelling than their interactions with the CGI characters. The dialogue, laced with quips and humor, occasionally tries too hard to be witty, landing some good one-liners but also missing the mark in places. The film aims for a Spielbergian sense of wonder but occasionally stumbles into repetitive action sequences that detract from its emotional depth.
One of the film’s more polarizing aspects is its eccentricity. A scene referencing Mr. Peanut signing a treaty with President Clinton is just one example of its offbeat humor. While some will appreciate these quirks, others may find them jarring. Nonetheless, The Electric State dares to be different, and that’s worth acknowledging.
Overall, while the film doesn’t fully capture the melancholic beauty of Stålenhag’s original vision, it remains an engaging, visually spectacular ride. It may not be a flawless adaptation, but as a standalone sci-fi blockbuster, it offers enough intrigue, action, and style to keep audiences entertained. The Electric State has its flaws, but it’s certainly a journey worth taking.
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