Released on Netflix on March 14, 2025, The Electric State is a bold, retro-futuristic sci-fi adventure directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 illustrated novel. Starring Millie Bobby Brown as a determined orphan, Chris Pratt as a roguish smuggler, and Anthony Mackie voicing a wisecracking robot sidekick, the film has surged to 25.2 million views in its first three days, despite a polarizing 43% Rotten Tomatoes score. Set in an alternate 1990s where sentient robots are exiled after a failed uprising, this dystopian tale follows a teenager’s quest to find her missing brother, weaving action, humor, and heart against a visually spectacular backdrop. Despite mixed reviews, The Electric State’s star power, imaginative world, and emotional core make it a must-watch for sci-fi fans and adventure seekers. Here’s why this ambitious blockbuster deserves your attention.

A Gripping Dystopian Premise

The Electric State transports viewers to an alternate 1994, where a robot rebellion has left society fractured and robots banished to the desolate Exclusion Zone. The story centers on Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphaned teenager who refuses to conform to a world addicted to virtual reality neurocasters. When a robot named Cosmo (voiced by Alan Tudyk) arrives, claiming to carry the consciousness of her presumed-dead brother Christopher (Woody Norman), Michelle embarks on a perilous cross-country journey to find him. Teaming up with Keats (Chris Pratt), a former soldier turned smuggler, and his chatty robot companion Herman (Anthony Mackie), Michelle navigates a retro-futuristic wasteland filled with towering, rusted robots and a sinister tech conspiracy led by Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci).

The film’s premise, loosely inspired by Stålenhag’s haunting novel, blends dystopian grit with 1990s nostalgia, from old Macs to cartoonish robots like Mr. Peanut (voiced by Woody Harrelson). While some critics argue the narrative simplifies the book’s melancholic depth, the addition of AI-driven robots fighting for rights and a consumerist society lost to VR creates a timely, accessible story that resonates with today’s tech anxieties. This mix of action, mystery, and family-driven stakes hooks viewers from the start, making it a compelling sci-fi adventure.

Visually Stunning World-Building

One of The Electric State’s undeniable strengths is its breathtaking visuals, brought to life with a reported $320 million budget—one of the most expensive films ever made. The Russo brothers, known for Avengers: Endgame, craft a retro-futuristic America filled with decayed strip malls, neon-lit cities, and eerie fields of abandoned robotic colossi. The CGI is top-tier, rendering quirky robots like Penny Pal (Jenny Slate) and Pop Fly (Brian Cox) with charm and detail, alongside jaw-dropping set pieces like a battle against a super prototype drone. The film’s aesthetic, blending 1990s tech with dystopian decay, feels like a mix of Blade Runner and WALL-E, delivering cinematic gold dust that captivates the eye.

While some reviews criticize the film for prioritizing spectacle over substance, the visual splendor—paired with Alan Silvestri’s evocative score—creates an immersive world that feels both nostalgic and alien. From Michelle’s taser takedown of her sleazy foster dad (Jason Alexander) to a climactic showdown in the Exclusion Zone, the action sequences are thrilling and inventive, ensuring every frame pops with energy. For fans of visually driven sci-fi, The Electric State is a feast worth savoring.

Star Power and Emotional Core

The film’s ensemble cast is a major draw, with Millie Bobby Brown delivering a solid, if understated, performance as Michelle, a teen balancing rebellion and vulnerability. Chris Pratt’s Keats channels his familiar Guardians of the Galaxy charm, though some critics note his role feels recycled. Anthony Mackie’s Herman steals scenes with sharp humor, while voice performances from Woody Harrelson, Giancarlo Esposito (as the menacing drone Marshall), and Brian Cox add quirky depth to the robot roster. Ke Huy Quan’s brief but poignant role as Dr. Amherst hints at untapped potential, and Stanley Tucci’s villainous Skate brings slimy menace, though his screen time is limited.

At its heart, The Electric State is about Michelle’s quest to reunite with her brother, a journey that grounds the high-tech chaos in raw emotion. The film explores themes of family, freedom, and humanity’s fraught relationship with AI, though some argue it leans too family-friendly, diluting the novel’s darker tone. Still, moments like Michelle’s bond with Cosmo and Keats’ reluctant heroism add warmth, making the story relatable despite its dystopian stakes.

A Polarizing Yet Popular Hit

With a 43% Rotten Tomatoes score, The Electric State has divided critics, who call it everything from “soulless” and “a $320 million dud” to “breezily watchable.” Detractors lament a predictable plot and wasted star power, arguing the Russos’ adaptation sacrifices Stålenhag’s haunting nuance for blockbuster gloss. Yet, audiences have embraced it, with 25.2 million views in three days, proving its escapist appeal. Fans on X praise its “fun” robots and “decent” action, with Chris Pratt himself calling it a “truly original” spectacle. The film’s PG-13 rating and lighthearted tone make it a family-friendly option, even if it doesn’t fully capture the novel’s depth.

Why You Should Watch

The Electric State is a visual triumph that blends dystopian sci-fi with heart and humor, making it a perfect Netflix binge for fans of Stranger Things or Guardians of the Galaxy. Its all-star cast, led by Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, brings charisma to a wild road trip through a robot-ravaged America. While it may not satisfy purists of Stålenhag’s novel, its stunning CGI, thrilling action, and emotional quest for family make it a crowd-pleaser. With 25.2 million viewers already hooked, this sci-fi epic is a bold, entertaining ride that’s worth your couch time. Fire up Netflix, dive into this retro-futuristic wasteland, and see if Michelle’s journey sparks your imagination—you won’t regret it.