The Electric State is Netflix's latest big-budget sci-fi adventure film that premiered on the streamer on Friday. This exciting film is an adaptation of Simon Stålenhag's dystopian graphic novel and dives into an alternate version of 1994. Set against the backdrop of a post-civil war America, the story portrays a country struggling to rebuild after a devastating conflict between robots and humans, which has left cities in ruins.
In The Electric State, viewers follow the journey of Michelle, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, a young woman searching for her missing brother in a bleak, post-apocalyptic world. As she navigates the remnants of the robot war scattered across the American countryside, her mission seems nearly impossible. However, her fortunes change when she meets Keats, played by Chris Pratt, and his robot sidekick Herman, voiced by Anthony Mackie. Together, they embark on a quest filled with quirky characters and face overwhelming odds to reconnect with her sibling and possibly restore a sense of humanity.
This adaptation of The Electric State marks a significant tonal shift from the beloved graphic novel. Critics have noted this change, which was a conscious decision made by the Russo brothers in collaboration with Stålenhag. During a recent Zoom conversation with directors Joe and Anthony Russo, they discussed the motivations behind this alteration. “What we loved most about The Electric State was the artwork and the themes,” Joe Russo explained. “We felt that the themes surrounding technology and its addictive nature would resonate strongly with a younger audience that is more immersed in technology than older viewers.”
The film's runtime of over two hours is punctuated by two recurring themes: humanity's disconnection due to technology and the dopamine addiction that often accompanies it. Joe Russo revealed, “We are essentially telling younger viewers to turn off the TV.” However, this raises an interesting paradox: how do filmmakers convey a message about reducing screen time while telling a story that must be watched on a screen? “There are only so many ways to reach a broad audience,” Joe Russo clarified, emphasizing that the medium of storytelling—whether it’s a movie screen or phone screen—has its pros and cons.
Importantly, The Electric State is not a film that condemns technology outright. “The movie isn't an anti-tech propaganda piece,” Anthony Russo added, echoing his brother’s sentiments. Instead, the film explores our paradoxical relationship with technology, highlighting both its positive aspects and the potential for disconnection. He cited examples in the film, such as the genuine relationship between Keats and his robot companion Herman, and Michelle's use of technology to aid in her brother's liberation.
One of the standout features of The Electric State is its captivating visual effects. The film showcases an impressive array of robots, often outnumbering human characters. Achieving this blending of practical effects and CGI was a monumental task. Anthony Russo noted the effort involved in casting motion capture actors to bring these robot characters to life. “They were fully dimensional actors who trained extensively and developed their characters over weeks before filming,” he explained.
After nearly three years of dedicated work, the Russo brothers have finally brought The Electric State to fruition. Their commitment to showcasing emotion through storytelling is evident. As Anthony Russo put it, “We hope viewers will experience a powerful form of human connection through the film.” He stressed that the themes of the movie aim to foster connections among viewers, bridging generations and creating shared emotional experiences.
In conclusion, The Electric State is not just a film about a dystopian future; it's a reflection on our current relationship with technology and the importance of human connection. With its stunning visuals and profound themes, the film is poised to spark conversations among audiences about technology's role in our lives. As the Russo brothers have articulated, the essence of filmmaking lies in its ability to bring people together and foster connections through shared narratives.
