The Electric State (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
The Electric State (2025), directed by the Russo brothers, is a visually stunning yet divisive sci-fi adventure. Adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel, the film follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), an orphaned teenager who embarks on a journey with a mysterious robot to find her missing brother. Along the way, she encounters a smuggler (Chris Pratt) and his quirky sidekick, all while navigating a dystopian world where humans and machines exist in a fragile balance.
With a staggering $320 million budget, The Electric State was one of Netflix’s most expensive productions to date. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive into an in-depth review of this film, covering its strengths, weaknesses, and overall impact.
Plot Summary
The film is set in an alternate 1990s America, where a war between humans and machines has left civilization in ruins. Michelle, grieving the loss of her family, discovers that her brother, Chris, is still alive—his consciousness stored inside a malfunctioning robot named Cosmo. Determined to reunite with him, she sets out on a dangerous journey to a highly restricted area known as The Exclusion Zone.
Joining her is Keats (Chris Pratt), a scavenger and smuggler, along with his robotic companion, Herman. As they traverse this desolate world, they must evade the ruthless Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci), a tech mogul with his own sinister agenda. The story unfolds with breathtaking visuals, intense action sequences, and a mix of heartfelt moments and social commentary.
The Good – Visuals & Production Design
If there’s one area where The Electric State shines, it’s the visual effects and world-building. The CGI is undeniably impressive, making the film feel immersive and cinematic. The design of the robots, particularly Cosmo and Herman, is intricate and realistic, showcasing detailed textures and lighting effects that blend seamlessly with the live-action elements.
The alternate-history setting of a retro-futuristic 1990s is visually striking, evoking a mix of nostalgia and dystopian unease. Fans of Ready Player One or Blade Runner 2049 will likely appreciate the film’s aesthetic, even if the storytelling doesn’t quite match up to its inspirations.
The Bad – A Familiar Story with Little Innovation
While the film excels in presentation, its narrative falls into predictable territory. The Electric State borrows heavily from classic sci-fi tropes—dystopian futures, human-machine conflicts, and a reluctant hero’s journey. Unfortunately, it doesn’t add much originality to these themes.
Many viewers have compared it to Terminator, The Matrix, and E.T., but without the emotional depth or innovative storytelling that made those films iconic. The pacing can feel slow at times, and some plot points lack logical consistency. For a movie with such a massive budget, the script feels underwhelming and often plays it too safe.
Performances – Mixed Reactions
- Millie Bobby Brown (Michelle) delivers a solid performance, though some fans feel she’s been playing similar roles too often. Her portrayal of a determined yet vulnerable heroine works well, but doesn’t break new ground.
- Chris Pratt (Keats) provides some comedic relief, though his character feels like a blend of his previous roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World. While likable, it’s nothing groundbreaking.
- Stanley Tucci (Ethan Skate) shines as the villain, though his character is somewhat underdeveloped. He plays the stereotypical evil tech CEO convincingly, but the film doesn’t give him enough depth.
- Supporting Cast & Voice Acting – The film features impressive voice work from actors like Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, and Brian Cox, but their robotic characters lack the emotional weight needed to make them truly memorable.
Audience Reactions & Criticism
The Electric State has sparked mixed reactions among both critics and audiences. Some viewers appreciate its visuals and nostalgic sci-fi elements, while others find it uninspired and derivative.
Many fans were hoping for a more mature role for Millie Bobby Brown, but felt she was typecast again. Chris Pratt’s comedic performance also drew criticism for feeling repetitive. Moreover, the film’s massive budget ($320 million) has been a point of contention—many question whether the final product justifies such an investment.
Some critics have even gone as far as calling the movie “soulless” and “AI-generated,” criticizing the Russo brothers for prioritizing spectacle over substance. Others argue that the film is still entertaining for younger audiences, who may not be as familiar with the sci-fi classics it borrows from.
Where to Watch The Electric State Online
Currently, The Electric State is available exclusively on Netflix. You can stream it directly on the platform here:
👉 Watch The Electric State on Netflix
Final Verdict – Should You Watch The Electric State?
If you enjoy visually stunning sci-fi adventures with a touch of nostalgia, The Electric State might be worth your time. However, if you’re looking for a deeply original or emotionally compelling story, this film may leave you disappointed.
✅ Watch it if you:
- Love beautifully crafted CGI and world-building
- Enjoy dystopian sci-fi films with road trip elements
- Want a casual popcorn movie with some action and adventure
❌ Skip it if you:
- Prefer innovative storytelling over visual spectacle
- Are looking for deep, thought-provoking sci-fi
- Dislike formulaic blockbuster movies
While The Electric State doesn’t reinvent the sci-fi genre, it delivers stunning visuals and some entertaining moments. If you’re a fan of Millie Bobby Brown or Chris Pratt, it’s worth a watch. But if you’re hoping for a sci-fi masterpiece, you might be better off revisiting classics like Blade Runner 2049 or The Creator.
👉 Have you watched The Electric State? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
