(Image: Netflix)
The first wave of media reviews for "The Electric State," the highly-anticipated Netflix sci-fi epic from "Avengers" directors the Russo Brothers, has arrived—and the verdict is overwhelmingly negative. The film, which boasts an all-star cast and voice roster including Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, Anthony Mackie, Woody Harrelson, and Brian Cox, saw its critical embargo lift this week, debuting with a dismal 23% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
(Image: Netflix)
Here’s a brief roundup of what some critics are saying about "The Electric State":
IndieWire's David Ehrlich wrote that throughout the "endless ordeal of clichés," audiences won't find a single laugh or moment of genuine connection. He argued the film's impact on the sci-fi adventure comedy genre is the same as "The Gray Man's" impact on action thrillers: "absolutely nothing."
ComingSoon.net's Jonathan Sim noted that "The Electric State" proves that even with powerful source material and excellent visuals, a film can't always escape the "stereotype of a mediocre Netflix blockbuster."
The Hollywood Reporter's David Rooney called the film's plot "incredibly messy," to the point where it becomes increasingly oppressive without being funny or exciting. He added that, like many streaming originals, "The Electric State" feels less like a real movie and more like "an imitation of one."
Mama's Geeky's Tessa Smith offered a more positive take, stating that Millie Bobby Brown once again showcases her talent as a leading star. While acknowledging it's not a perfect film, Smith called it "cute, fun," and admitted it even made her cry.
Toisto.net's Joonatan Itkonen was blunt, writing that while the original graphic novel is a "subtle and witty" work of alternate history, the film adaptation is "just a waste of everyone's time and energy."
Metro's Tori Brazier found the film difficult to connect with, asking who it was made for. She questioned whether the intended audience was millennials who could appreciate its mix of nostalgia and irony, or fans of the book who had already slammed the film based on its trailer, calling the whole thing "a bit of a puzzle."
Mashable's Kristy Puchko argued that a weak plot can be forgiven if the world-building is cool enough, but asserted that the Russo Brothers aren't world-builders, they're "collectors." She concluded that with this film, they have "essentially made a literal garbage movie out of a junkyard aesthetic."
Empire magazine's John Nugent wrote that "The Electric State" loses some of the "quiet depth" of its source material but still has enough energy to function as a "lightly watchable piece of retro-futurist entertainment."
(Image: Netflix)
The film is based on the acclaimed graphic novel of the same name by Swedish artist Simon Stålenhag. The story is set in a fictional 1990s where humanity has won a war against an AI rebellion but remains deeply dependent on machines. Defeated and exiled, the robots are now lost, struggling to prove their free will to humans. The plot follows Michelle, a young woman searching for her brother, whom she long believed to be dead. Her only allies are Keath, a veteran-turned-truck-driver, and Herman, a construction robot voiced by Mackie, who work together as smugglers. Together, they must help Michelle navigate dangerous territory to find her missing brother and uncover the truth behind his original kidnapping.