Madrid has become the focal point for movie lovers with the recent premiere of Netflix's highly anticipated film, The Electric State, featuring fan-favorite stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt. Held at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, the event was brimming with excitement as attendees gathered to catch the first glimpse of the latest work from renowned directors Anthony and Joe Russo.
The Electric State, set to debut on March 14, 2025, transports viewers to an alternative 1990s future where the aftermath of a failed robot rebellion shapes society. The film follows Michelle, played by Brown, as she embarks on a cross-country quest to reunite with her younger brother. Accompanied by the charismatic Keats, portrayed by Pratt, and a whimsical cartoonish robot named Herman, the film promises to blend adventure, family themes, and contemplations on technology.
During the press conference, Millie Bobby Brown candidly shared, "I’m very distanced from technology. I’m lucky; I don’t really care to be on my phone much. I find it uninteresting. I love living reality. I think, returning to the significance of the movie, my generation and my audience need to see something like this because they can reflect on their relationship with technology and reach a healthy balance." This sentiment resonates strongly with audiences grappling with technology's ever-increasing role in daily life.
Chris Pratt chimed in with his contrasting experience, admitting, "I’m terribly addicted to my phone, and it’s an issue. I have four kids at home... I try to keep my phone out of reach to avoid distractions. Technology has marvelous aspects, yet it tends to lead to passive entertainment based on algorithms, and I’ve been a victim of losing hours scrolling when I could be sleeping or doing something productive!" His honest admission sheds light on the struggles many face today.
Both actors emphasized the film's underlying message concerning humans’ dependency on technology. Brown reflected on the importance of this topic for today's youth, considering it both alarming and pivotal. She stated, "It’s really something we should keep our eye on. We need to protect young people so we can have a healthier future." Meanwhile, Pratt humorously remarked, "Perhaps I need to check myself in at a detox center for my phone, but it’s tough when you work in this industry, where mobile communication is key!"
This film is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Swedish author Simon Stalenhag, and explores the unique relationship between humans and robots, along with the emotional depth these characters can portray. Brown described her character, Michelle, as someone going through the phases of grief, expressing, "The most challenging part was showcasing the complexity of grief. Everyone has experienced it at some point, and it has so many layers. Showing Michelle dealing with various stages of her loss adds depth to her character without making it tedious to watch."
Pratt complimented the Russo brothers' creative collaborative spirit, stating, "The Russos always have had great collaboration. They provided us with just about blank slates to create something new together, without relying on previous IPs." This creative freedom may have contributed to their unique characters and story depth.
Visually, the film seeks to encapsulate 90s nostalgia, with Pratt enjoying the chance to weave references from the music and fashion of the era. Brown noted her effort to embody the essence of the 90s, stating, "While I was born well after the 90s, I did my research and even considered dying my hair after Drew Barrymore for character inspiration!"
At the premiere, attendees were treated to stunning visuals reminiscent of the 90s era, cleverly juxtaposed against the advanced digital aspects of today's filmmaking. The Russo brothers took special care to design robots with human-like personalities, successfully blurring the lines between technology and human emotion. "Most films tend to have impressively sophisticated robots, but ours are intentionally kept sweet and simplistic," the directors explained. They wanted audiences to appreciate the basic charm and nature of the robots depicted.
The film's narrative intertwines comedy and action with more serious themes about technology's impact on society. Pratt acknowledged some similarities between his characters both in The Electric State and Guardians of the Galaxy, stating, "Yes, there's certainly some similarity with Guardians—a group of misfits and grand adventure—but The Electric State is something completely new. It has its own emotional weight, reflecting our humanity and our relationship with technology."
With its gripping storyline, engaging characters, and pressing social commentary, The Electric State is poised to make waves when it officially launches on March 14th on Netflix. With this anticipation surrounding such prominent actors and creative minds, audiences are sure to witness something fresh and extraordinary.