In a recent release, Netflix has unveiled its highly anticipated big-budget film, The Electric State, starring acclaimed actors Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt. With a staggering production budget of $320 million, this film has garnered attention as one of the most expensive movies ever made. However, the critical reception has been less than favorable, with numerous reviews labeling it as soulless and dumb.
The reviews for The Electric State have been overwhelmingly harsh. Critics from various prominent publications have not held back in their assessments. The Times described it as a "turgid eyesore" and "top-dollar tedium." Meanwhile, the Hollywood Reporter characterized the film as "slick" but "dismally soulless." The New York Times echoed similar sentiments, labeling the film as "obvious, garish, and just plain dumb." In a particularly biting critique, Paste emphasized the film's exorbitant budget, branding it as "the most banal way you can spend $320 million."
Although the majority of reviews have been critical, there have been some brighter spots. Empire described the film as "breezily watchable," granting it a modest three-star rating. Conversely, the Telegraph offered a more favorable four-star review, dubbing it a "Spielbergian treat." Despite these mixed reviews, the film's Rotten Tomatoes score currently stands at a mere 15%, a disappointing figure for any major release.
The reported $320 million budget for The Electric State has neither been confirmed nor denied by Netflix. Should this figure be accurate, it positions the film as the most expensive streaming film ever produced. As the streaming landscape continues to evolve, the relevance of critics' opinions appears to diminish. Despite the negative reviews, The Electric State achieved immediate success, debuting at number one on Netflix's viewing charts shortly after its release.
Digital Spy's movies editor, Ian Sandwell, noted that critical assessments might not significantly impact viewership. He remarked, "While a critic's job is to analyze a movie, audiences probably do just want a big, spectacular blockbuster to watch at home." This sentiment underscores the ongoing trend of Netflix producing star-studded, escapist films that attract significant viewership, regardless of critical reception.
The Electric State follows the story of Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in a reimagined version of 1990s America, where a war has erupted between humans and intelligent robots. The film also features notable actors such as Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, and voice performances by Woody Harrelson and Brian Cox. Directed by the Russo brothers, who are well-known for their work on four Marvel films, including the blockbuster hits Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame, this project was anticipated to deliver high-quality entertainment.
Based on the graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag, some critics have suggested that Netflix missed the narrative's deeper commentary on the dangers of a consumerist society overly reliant on technology. Victoria Luxford from City AM commented, "The film is absolutely not value for money in terms of quality," raising questions about its financial viability for Netflix.
Netflix's most popular film to date, Red Notice, released in 2021, has attracted 231 million views according to the platform's metrics. The Electric State aims to replicate this level of success, paralleling the expectations typically placed on a $320 million theatrical release to break box office records. As Luxford pointed out, the higher the budget, the higher the expectations for success, especially within Netflix's somewhat opaque business model.
Interestingly, films like Red Notice have also received lukewarm critical responses, boasting a 39% Rotten Tomatoes score while achieving a 92% audience rating. Other recent Netflix features, such as Mother of the Bride and Atlas, have similarly underwhelmed critics yet found favor with viewers, emphasizing the shift towards more accessible, entertaining content in the streaming era.
This evolving landscape has led to a new genre of films crafted for casual viewing. The Hollywood Reporter noted that many Netflix titles are designed to be half-watched while viewers engage in other activities, like household chores. This trend raises questions about the storytelling quality and depth of current Netflix offerings, including The Electric State, which has been critiqued for its simplistic narrative.
In conclusion, while The Electric State may have faced a barrage of negative reviews, its immediate success on Netflix highlights the changing dynamics of film consumption in the streaming age. As audiences seek out blockbusters featuring beloved stars, the film's financial performance will be closely monitored, particularly in light of its monumental budget.
