If you’re a fan of gripping sci-fi adventures with stunning visuals and a star-studded cast, The Electric State is a film you won’t want to miss. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the masterminds behind Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, this Netflix original, released on March 14, 2025, brings a fresh yet nostalgic take on the dystopian genre. Adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 graphic novel, The Electric State combines retro-futuristic aesthetics, emotional storytelling, and timely themes about humanity’s relationship with technology. Here’s why this film deserves a spot on your watchlist.
A Captivating Story Set in an Alternate 1990s
The Electric State transports viewers to an alternate 1990s America, where a war between humans and sentient robots has left society fractured. The story follows Michelle, played by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, an orphaned teenager searching for her missing brother, Christopher (Woody Norman). Accompanied by a mysterious robot named Cosmo (voiced by Alan Tudyk) and a roguish smuggler, Keats (Chris Pratt), Michelle embarks on a perilous cross-country journey through a retro-futuristic wasteland filled with abandoned robots and eerie remnants of a collapsed civilization.
The narrative weaves a coming-of-age tale with a sci-fi twist, exploring themes of loss, connection, and the consequences of unchecked technological advancement. The Russo Brothers infuse the story with a Pixar-like tone, blending humor, heart, and adventure, making it accessible to both young audiences and adults. As Joe Russo noted in a Netflix interview, the film aims to evoke “emotion, laughter, and tears,” inspired by 1980s Amblin films like E.T. and Back to the Future.
A Star-Studded Cast and Memorable Robots
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast that elevates its emotional and comedic beats. Millie Bobby Brown delivers a grounded performance as Michelle, capturing the angst and determination of a teen on a mission. Chris Pratt brings his signature charm as Keats, a wisecracking smuggler with a heart of gold, while Woody Norman shines as the young Christopher, adding emotional depth to the story. The human cast is rounded out by heavyweights like Stanley Tucci as tech billionaire Ethan Skate, Ke Huy Quan as Dr. Amherst, and Giancarlo Esposito as a relentless federal agent.
The robots, however, steal the show with their quirky designs and distinct personalities. Voiced by a stellar lineup including Woody Harrelson (Mr. Peanut), Anthony Mackie (Herman), Brian Cox (Popfly), and Jenny Slate (Penny Pal), these characters range from a sentient peanut mascot to a baseball-pitching machine. The Russo Brothers leaned on motion capture and practical effects, with actors like Terry Notary shaping the robots’ movements to feel authentic yet whimsical, rooted in a nostalgic ‘90s aesthetic.
Stunning Visuals and World-Building
With a reported budget of $320 million, The Electric State is one of Netflix’s most ambitious projects, and the investment shows in its breathtaking visuals. Production designer Dennis Gassner, known for Blade Runner 2049, crafts a haunting yet vibrant world where rusted, oversized robots litter the desert landscape, evoking both wonder and melancholy. The film’s retro-futuristic style, inspired by Stålenhag’s haunting artwork, blends ‘90s nostalgia with advanced technology, creating a unique atmosphere that feels both familiar and alien.
The visual effects, overseen by VFX supervisor Matthew Butler, seamlessly integrate CGI and practical elements, making the robots feel like tangible characters rather than generic CGI constructs. Highlights include scenes of a giant robot carrying a VW bus across Monument Valley and eerie shots of crimson-lit server towers in the distance. These visuals not only serve the story but also immerse viewers in a world that feels alive and layered.
Themes That Resonate Today
At its core, The Electric State is a meditation on humanity’s complex relationship with technology. The film explores how technology can foster connection—like Michelle’s bond with Cosmo—or lead to isolation, as seen in the “screen zombie” society hooked on Ethan Skate’s virtual reality “Neurocasters.” The Russo Brothers, as parents themselves, intentionally wove in these themes to spark conversations about balancing technology in our lives, especially for younger generations. Joe Russo emphasized in an interview, “The movie’s about how you stay connected to the people around you,” highlighting the dangers of tech addiction without demonizing innovation.
This thematic depth, paired with the film’s family-friendly adventure tone, makes it a thought-provoking watch that doesn’t feel preachy. It’s a story about broken characters forming a new family, resonating with anyone navigating the digital age.
Why It Stands Out Among 2025 Sci-Fi Releases
While 2025 has seen its share of sci-fi films, The Electric State distinguishes itself with its blend of emotional storytelling, high-octane action, and a unique retro-futuristic aesthetic. Unlike the Russo Brothers’ previous non-MCU projects like The Gray Man, this film benefits from their experience with ensemble storytelling and motion capture from Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. The result is a polished, visually spectacular adventure that feels like a theatrical blockbuster, even on a streaming platform.
Despite mixed critical reception—debuting at 19% on Rotten Tomatoes due to some pacing issues and a lighter tone compared to the darker graphic novel—The Electric State has found an audience, hitting #1 on Netflix’s English films chart with 25.2 million views in its debut weekend. Fans on platforms like X have praised its visuals and cast, even if some feel it leans too heavily on nostalgia.
How to Watch The Electric State
The Electric State is streaming exclusively on Netflix as of March 14, 2025. With a runtime of 2 hours and 8 minutes and a PG-13 rating for sci-fi violence and thematic material, it’s perfect for a family movie night or a solo binge. For a deeper dive into the film’s creation, check out the companion podcast State Secrets: Inside the Making of The Electric State, hosted by Francesca Amiker, available on Netflix’s Tudum platform.
Final Verdict
The Electric State may not reinvent the sci-fi genre, but it delivers a visually stunning, emotionally engaging adventure that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking. The Russo Brothers’ knack for blending spectacle with heart shines through, supported by a talented cast and a world that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. Whether you’re drawn to the dystopian setting, the quirky robots, or the universal themes of family and technology, this film offers something for everyone.
Add The Electric State to your Netflix queue today, and get ready for a journey through a world where robots and humans collide in the most unexpected ways. Have you watched it yet? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
