Movie Review: The Electric State – A Dazzling Disappointment
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Simon Stålenhag
Stars: Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, Woody Harrelson
A Flamboyant Journey with Little Substance
The Electric State, directed by the Russo brothers, is an ambitious attempt to blend sci-fi with a heartfelt journey. Following an orphaned teenager, Michelle (played by the talented Millie Bobby Brown), as she travels through a dystopian world in search of her long-lost brother, the film promises a visually stunning experience. However, amidst its dazzling aesthetics lies a narrative that burns out far too quickly, leaving the viewer feeling hollow.
A World of Excessive Product Placement
Let’s address the elephant in the room: product placement. This film takes the cake for the most outrageous showcases of brand influence in recent memory. The Russo brothers seem determined to rewire our perceptions of product placement in cinema. They hold lengthy discussions about Panda Express and craft an entire character that serves as a mascot for Planters peanuts. Seriously, when did we start equating a film with overt marketing gimmicks? It distracts from the narrative and transforms what could have been an engaging sci-fi experience into a continuous advertisement.
For a deeper dive into how product placement impacts storytelling, check out this insightful breakdown on Forbes.
Plot Overview: A Dystopian Adventure
Set in a world dominated by authoritarian rule and technological dependency, The Electric State introduces us to Michelle, who grapples with an abusive father (Jason Alexander) while navigating a harsh, post-war reality. After humanity triumphs in a brutal war between humans and robots, they embrace the allure of neurotechnology, effectively retreating into a comatose existence with robots performing their daily tasks.
But when Michelle encounters Cosmo, an endearing robot reminiscent of Wall-E, her journey of discovery begins. Cosmo harbors the uploaded consciousness of her deceased brother, Christopher. After a harrowing confrontation with her father, the two embark on a journey into the Exclusion Zone—a world where machines have been banished—to uncover if Christopher is truly alive.
Visuals vs. Narrative: A Sparkling Yet Empty Adventure
Visually, The Electric State is a feast for the eyes. The Russo brothers employ an impressive array of CGI and vibrant visuals that create an alluring spectacle. However, no amount of flashy graphics can shield the film’s gaping holes in storytelling. What should be a riveting adventure quickly devolves into a colorful but vacuous extravaganza.
The film’s themes of family and technology’s overreach are presented with heavy-handedness that lacks nuance. Despite its grand aspirations, the emotional climaxes are devoid of real connection. The film seems to recycle themes from countless other works, ultimately delivering a narrative that feels both familiar and uninspired.
Character Development: A Missed Opportunity
Despite the strong performances from its leads, the characters feel like mere sketches rather than fully realized individuals. Millie Bobby Brown’s portrayal of Michelle could have shone, yet her character often goes unnoticed amidst the chaos. It’s disheartening to witness her being typecast in roles that fail to showcase her verbal and physical comedic talents, similar to her strong performance in Enola Holmes.
Chris Pratt’s role seems like a regurgitation of his usual persona—a scruffy smuggler with whimsical tangents that occasionally distract rather than engage. His chemistry with the robot Herman (voiced by Martin Klebba) feels forced, further emphasizing the film’s struggle to elicit genuine reactions from its audience.
Final Thoughts: A Disheartening Experience
In conclusion, The Electric State is a missed opportunity draped in the trappings of flashy graphics and forced humor. A film that could explore significant themes regarding humanity and its relationship with technology instead feels like cotton candy cinema at its worst: flashy but insubstantial. It leaves you with a sugary aftertaste, yet a longing for something more profound.
If you’re eager to experience The Electric State, you can now stream it exclusively on Netflix—but be prepared for a journey that might not live up to the hype.
Grade: D-
For those interested in exploring more about the implications of technology in storytelling, consider reading this article on The Atlantic.
