On March 16, 2025, Netflix released its adaptation of The Electric State, a science-fiction movie directed by the Russo brothers, based on the acclaimed graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag. Initial expectations were high, with viewers eager to see how the vivid visuals and compelling narratives of the book would translate onto the screen. Unfortunately, the film has been met with widespread criticism for its significant deviations from the source material.
The Electric State centers around Michelle, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, who sets out on a quest to find her missing brother, Skip. This storyline, set against the backdrop of an alternate 1990s America following a robot revolution, takes unexpected turns as the film indulges in playful humor. Critics have noted this tone as one of the most glaring differences when compared to Stålenhag’s darker and more somber original work.
During the promotional phase, the Russo brothers spoke about their approach to adapting the graphic novel. Anthony Russo stated, "We just looked at the images and the story... you can tell there’s a much larger world behind what he’s telling you." Despite this intention to remain faithful to the original artwork and its ideas, the narrative metamorphosed significantly from the graphic novel's subtle and introspective themes.
The graphic novel presents itself as a haunting portrait of America on the verge of collapse due to mechanized warfare and the overpowering influence of the Sentre Corporation. This contrasts sharply with the film adaptation, which depicts robots advocating for equal rights, leading to rather child-friendly encounters, like interactions with the commercial character Mr. Peanut. Such changes have led to accusations of sanitizing the original content, blurring any serious reflection on the severe critique of society depicted by Stålenhag.
Notably, the runtime reveals multiple comedic instances, with Chris Pratt's character providing comic relief, creating a lighthearted atmosphere wholly absent from the graphic novel. This tonal shift has frustrated many viewers, particularly those familiar with Stålenhag's work, which is laden with existential themes and explores troubling societal issues.
Among the concerns raised is the film's portrayal of the backstory between Michelle and Skip. The film describes them surviving a tragic car accident, implying Skip is kept alive and connected to the Sentre mainframe, which is explained only superficially. Such narrative choices starkly diverge from the graphic novel, where the siblings' trauma stems from systemic neglect and is interwoven with themes of digital reliance and religious extremism.
Critics have been vocal about the perceived shortcomings of the movie. Several reviews have described it as disjointed, filled with unnecessary cameos, lackluster screenwriting, and confusing storytelling elements. The substantial budget—rumored to be around $320 million—raised expectations, but many are left questioning exactly how those funds were utilized within the production.
While adaptations can inevitably veer off course from their source material, many argue The Electric State exemplifies this trend by transforming deep, thought-provoking narratives about contemporary issues—which Stålenhag masterfully presents—into something resembling children’s entertainment. Critics fear the film will become the predominant version of the story for audiences unfamiliar with the graphic novel, which highlights urgent themes relevant to our current climate.
Despite its flaws, the film was paired with ear-catching visuals similar to Stålenhag's breathtaking illustrations; it is evident the Russo brothers aimed to capture their essence. Unfortunately, viewers seeking the complex emotional currents and science fiction commentary found within the pages of The Electric State may find themselves disappointed by the movie's final product.
For anyone curious about the original work, it has received much acclaim for its artistry and poignant storytelling. The heart of Stålenhag's narrative resonates with themes of decay, social commentary, and the struggle against oppressive authorities. Those who digest the richly layered graphic novel likely feel the victory of its subdued tones and vivid explorations outweigh the spectacle of its adapted counterpart.
To summarize, viewers motivated by curiosity may find Netflix's The Electric State visually captivating but lacking the substance present within Simon Stålenhag's compelling original. Given the distinctive execution and thematic intricacies of the graphic novel, it's strongly recommended to seek it out to fully grasp the haunting essence of The Electric State.