Netflix’s latest release, "The Electric State," is quickly making headlines, but not for the reasons its producers might have hoped. With a staggering production budget reported at 320 million dollars, the movie stands as one of the most expensive films ever made, led by renowned directors Joe and Anthony Russo. Starring prominent figures like Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, the film has become the center of both intrigue and disdain since its debut on March 14, 2025.
Set against the backdrop of an alternate 1990s universe, "The Electric State" transports viewers to a world where technology and nostalgia collide. Yet, this ambitious sci-fi project seems to have landed more like a thud than with the anticipated bang. With recent rankings showing it at 14% on Rotten Tomatoes from critics, many have felt compelled to question what went wrong. Stepping back to evaluate, the general theme revolves around discontent with not just the movie's execution but its lavish spending relative to the final product.
Critiques have poured in, prompting one reviewer to boldly declare, "The Electric State is simply awful. Gone are the days of likable movie stars carrying even the shittiest of movies." The film's aesthetics, heavily reliant on CGI, have faced harsh scrutiny, with complaints spotlighting the absence of practical effects and engaging set pieces. This sentiment hints at falling standards, encapsulating disapproval from those who feel filmmakers should treat their craft with greater respect.
Despite the doom and gloom of critics, audience reception stands perplexingly higher, with scores reflecting 75% approval, showcasing a divide between professional critics and everyday viewers. Mike from T3 noted the disparity, opining, "Its supposed 'failure' is overstated... I'm still paying, though, and found The Electric State was a great way to spend a weekend evening." This conflicting perspective suggests some viewers find enjoyment where critics see waste.
The narrative of "The Electric State" revolves around Michelle, portrayed by Brown, as she searches for her missing brother after the chaos brought on by AI-powered robotics. Her quest, alongside smuggler Keats (Pratt) and a charming robot companion, is set against the remnants of humanity's failed experiments. Critics like those at CinemaBlend argue the film offers light entertainment, with one reviewer giving it 2.5 out of 5 stars, identifying it as safely mediocre but not outright disastrous. The film’s message appears to circle technology’s role and the abandonment it brings, though how well this theme resonates with audiences varies.
One of the more thoughtful insights came from Joe Russo, who reflected on the film’s adaptation of Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel, stating, "It’s an interesting shift away to a more family appeal tone... we wanted to make sure... younger audiences... would watch the film." This attempt to soften the narrative's originally darker tones led to decisions aimed at making the film accessible to children and adults alike.
Stålenhag himself commented on the departure from his source material, noting, "This film has a big HEART and underneath its lighthearted charm it actually carries social values... true to the humanism... I wanted to convey with the book." This endorsement hints at the adaptability of the story and its themes, even if the film's execution has left much to be desired by many.
Within the industry, many voices echo the concerns over inflated budgets, especially when compared to other cinematic ventures. It’s been pointed out, for example, how "The Electric State" costs 21.3 times more than the production budget for films like "Godzilla Minus One"—bringing the conversation back to the financial choices of studios and the worth of cinematic storytelling itself. The hefty bill raises questions about prioritizing big-name stars and extravagant effects over compelling narrative and character development.
This situation provokes the intriguing question of whether audiences are merely settling for less when they tune in to poorly-received films like these or if the charm and commercial appeal sometimes outweigh artistic merit. With the influx of content available on platforms like Netflix, it appears the balance between fanfare and functional storytelling is becoming more tenuous.
Reviewers have openly aired frustrations, some even likening the film to algorithm-driven content. One critic lamented, "This is a phantom movie... A piece of (ludicrously expensive) algorithmic ephemera. Content." Such observations give rise to fears of homogenization where the emphasis on catchy visuals and star-studded casts overshadows meaningful engagement with the cinematic medium.
Yet, as opinions continue to clash and reactions vary widely, "The Electric State" has secured its no.1 spot on Netflix, showcasing the complex relationship between viewer enjoyment and critic approval. Despite prevalent contempt, the film has captured enough audience intrigue to ascend to the top charts—making clear the movie experience is subjective, shaped by personal tastes and perspectives.
The broader ramifications of this film's release and reception might lead industry insiders to reassess how they approach future projects. Whether viewing this as part of shifting entertainment dynamics or as symptomatic of growing disillusionment with content quality, "The Electric State" is sure to spark dialogues on the nature of cinema moving forward. After all, film should ignite excitement and provoke thought; the question remains, can this one do so effectively?
