User reviews

It's hard not to have seen the bad reviews that seem to be on all the news streams about this film being a disappointment or just bad. If you love movies and read the gossip about upcoming films it is almost impossible to avoid the hate but it's just not right this isn't high theatre and it's not a perfect movie but it is by no means a bad film, there is some truly good aspects to what is a emotional romp through retro science fiction.

Don't sit down and expect an epic movie that will change the world but not all movies need to be this, some just need to take you on a journey and let your brain and emotions have a refreshing experience this is what electric state is it's a vacation for the soul that is enjoyable, simple and freeing in a time when every other film seems to be a noble and worthy movie about people or times that, as important as they are to tell, are not the most escapist of experiences.

So give Electric State a go it won't make you a better person from watching it but it will give you a sci-fi romp that passes a couple of hours and won't leave you thinking the world and people in it are doomed!

"The Electric State" had all the ingredients for a great sci-fi adventure-an intriguing premise, a talented cast, and a massive $300+ million budget. Yet, despite these advantages, the film falls flat, failing to deliver anything beyond its initial setup.

The movie starts strong, presenting a mysterious and engaging world that grabs attention. However, as the plot unfolds, it becomes increasingly childish and loses its depth, turning what could have been a thought-provoking sci-fi journey into something simplistic and uninspired. The film seems unsure of its target audience, oscillating between serious themes and a tone that feels more suited for a younger crowd.

With a cast of this caliber, the performances should have been a highlight, but instead, they feel wasted on a script that doesn't give them much to work with.

Especially Millie Bobby Brown feels underwhelming. Her acting lacks the emotional weight needed to carry the story, making it difficult to connect with her character.

Visually, The Electric State is impressive, as expected from a film with such a massive budget. The CGI and world-building are well-crafted, but stunning visuals alone can't compensate for a lackluster narrative. Given the talent and resources behind the project, the final result is frustratingly mediocre.

Ultimately, The Electric State is a missed opportunity. It starts with promise but quickly loses its way, relying on spectacle rather than substance. For a film of this scale, it should have offered much more than a pretty but hollow experience.

Like other user reviews I can say this is no epic or a particularly memorable movie but it's not bad. I have not read the book so cannot speak to it's faithfulness to the original story but the dialogue is funny at times. I actually find chris pratts performance better than in most movies. More self deprecating and with nuanced quirkiness. Its an action/adventure movie so i never really understand why critics hold these romps to the standard of cinema. This is not cinema, this is simply a good action/adventure flick with some funny bits. Its not a dark movie but not overly campy either. You can absolutely see where the budget went. The cgi is flawless and plentiful which i always enjoy.

The Electric State wants to be a requiem in retro-futurist tones, a tale of loss and wanderings, robots with forlorn eyes, and a girl drifting through the ash-heap of civilisation. But though the frame is stunning and the budget considerable, the film slips through the fingers like vapour.

The Russo brothers summon their usual largesse of scale, but seem uninterested in the subtler contours of feeling. The performances are hemmed in by the architecture of the film. Millie Bobby Brown, oddly airbrushed and disconcertingly polished for someone meant to carry the ache of memory, never quite finds the soul of the part. Her face, perhaps shaped more by surgeons than experience, distracts from the emotional weight the role asks of her.

The robot companion, tender in design and nearly mute, is meant to be the beating heart. Instead, it feels like window-dressing for a story that can't commit to intimacy. There are fragments that glint, an abandoned cinema, a voice on a forgotten radio, but they aren't allowed to resonate.

I watched it unfold with admiration for its mechanics and a growing indifference to its meaning. The Electric State has all the signs of a journey, except the feeling of having gone anywhere at all.

I know Netflix is used to just throwing money at movies, hiring a few stars, and trying to get as many eyes on the finished product as possible - but they must have been disappointed when they saw this end result.

This one is a tough watch - the pacing is weird, the characters are pretty one-dimensional, and the audience for this movie is questionable. It's not quite a kids movie but the concept is too whacky and poorly-executed to be taken seriously by an adult population. For example, the pen-ultimate all robot fight (featuring a live action Chris Pratt) is just plainly absurd - and not in a good way.

It was one of those moviegoing experiences where you double take and think to yourself "what the hell did I just watch?"

The Electric State is actually a very good concept, but its execution is incredibly rushed, with no real character or world development.

The cast is incredible and the visuals are fantastic, but this really needed to be a limited series. Two hours is nowhere near enough time for an unorthodox story like this.

The limited robots we meet seem silly and ineffective, so a more developed backstory could have really served to make this world much more realistic and menacing. But it seems they took numerous shortcuts in the story to move it along and finish it a movie timelength. A perfect example of what they could have done is Sweettooth, another very unique Netflix property that has much higher ratings.

Everyone needs to just calm down, we're not watching The Godfather ll here

Was it the greatest movie ever? No, but it's not supposed to be. It's a free new movie on Netflix and it wasn't as bad as everyone said it would be. Especially if you're a fan of Pratt or Brown. If you must, go into it with low expectations and I believe you will be pretty satisfied with this movie. It had heart, some light laughs and decent music. I would watch this movie with my kids again and probably enjoy it even more. Give it a chance. You're not spending $50 to see it in a theatre. It's just the cost of your Netflix subscription so it's worth it.

It's actually baffling the trust that studios have in the Russo brothers now. The financial success of the juggernaut that was Infinity War/Endgame has given these two unprecedented access to Hollywood's "cookie jar" despite repeated flops outside of the MCU - The Electric State their magnum opus.

I commend the CGI team as the effects were strong and executed well for the task they were given, especially compared to other expensive CGI heavy films of late. But in comparison to the source material - which is fun, bright, and vibrant - this a dull luster and overly restrained melancholy. The world felt surprisingly empty and contrived, even with the near flawless effects.

The story fails in almost every emotional beat it tries to shove in our faces. Millie Bobby Brown once again proving that age has not been kind to abilities as an actress.

I walked away feeling nothing from this film - one that I imagine will soon be forgotten to the annals of streaming history.

I got entertained. Nice story about an alternate reality where Roboter must live in an isolation zone after a war. Surely the story has some loopholes but hey, Frodo didn't take Thorondor to bring the ring back as well. Long story short: Absolutely no urge to get the mobile to read some Reddit in parallel. I am satisfied and you should give this film a chance!

It has simply everything a good story needs, characters are developed over time, you could understan their decisions and sometimes I had something in my eye ;-) Surely not a absolute masterpiece but with some interest in a science fiction tales you will be entertained.

This was a great movie, everything about it was just entertaining. Love all the different robots. Acting wasn't the best but who cares. Was just fun and a great way to kill 2 hours. Everyone will complain about the budget yada yada google why it was so expensive to make, maybe you'll understand and enjoy it even more for what it is. A high budget Netflix original movie that I probably wouldn't pay to see in a theater but sure as hell enjoyed watching at home. Will probably give it another watch. Just shut up watch it & enjoy. Don't listen to the critics that hate this movie and give it a couple stars and complain about the budget.

I've read all of Simon Stalenhag's books, including The Electric State (which this movie is based on), and they are all reflective and thoughtful, with some exploring dark themes as well (The Electric State certainly does, though perhaps not as dark as The Labyrinth). In the book, there are corpses rotting away; due to their addiction to neurocasters, they've not fed themselves and have either died or become wasted away (the main character's foster mother has accidentally drowned in a pool whilst neurocasting). There are serious scenes of the ruins of the machines of war. There's a disturbing scene in which a robot brings a woman to orgasm. There are some quite horrific images of tangled messes of wires and metal stalking through the night, the abominations at Cape Victory, for example. My point is, the source material is written for adults...

This is a kids movie. It has all of the out-of-place humour we expect in modern cinema. It has all of the over the top action we expect in modern cinema. It has the generic actors we expect in modern cinema. It has countless grand gestures, followed by a pause in which nothing happens, making every character appear ridiculous. It's either trying to be a not-particularly funny comedy or a not-particularly serious sci-fi.

It's such a shame, because... imagine how this could have been. If this had have followed the plot of the book, been a dark and reflective film, with far fewer characters (even just the girl looking for her brother and the robot, perhaps with flashbacks to the foster parents), this could have been so good on screen. Unfortunately, it is so, so much less than the source material, and does the author a serious disservice.

The acting is horrible and played from the bottom. The entire cast plays the same character they've always played in previous works.

The film leans heavily on CGI, but it never quite blends with the live-action. Every time the characters interact with the robots, it's painfully obvious they're talking to empty space.

The Electric State is just another example of Hollywood spending a massive budget on a film that has no real heart. Weak performances, lifeless CGI, and a predictable plot make it an easy pass. Instead of investing in real, compelling stories, studios keep churning out this overproduced, uninspired junk.

I did like Woody Harrelson as Mr. Peanut.

If viewers are looking for the haunting, dystopian vistas and devastating landscapes from Stalenhag's book, they'll be disappointed. But there are amazing and captivating effects, practical and digital, that build a unique world vision.

What this film has going for it is Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown (more on them later), combining with a talented group of voice actors. Tucci is as good as ever but his part is thinly developed. Giancarlo Esposito brings his trademark gravitas and emotional weight to the story as well, in a role that, while not perfectly written, provides a surprising part of the movie's center.

The Mr Peanut (Woody Harrelson) role, for me, didn't quite work. The "bots" I enjoyed were Herm ( unrecognizably voiced by Anthony Mackie) and the postal bot Penny Pal (Jenny Slate).

There are definite plot holes, but considering the at times preposterous world we're in, is it worth complaining about story gaps? The robot cavalry makes a long sojourn to their final battlefield in a long caravan that doesn't get attacked, and improbably makes crazy good time doing it. And there's the disposal of a very central bot in a very uncaring way that wouldn't happen, but provides a sentimental wink at the viewer.

Humorous, with lots of crash bang and very cool looking shots, especially with the giant sized robots, it's just fun enough, and interesting enough to watch all the way through. Pratt and Brown are fun-ish together, and bring their acting talents to a movie from a genre they are both very familiar with, so I do recommend it.

But Brown feels wrong in this: her appearance as a bounced around foster child feels too "glam" at times, because she isn't grubby enough. Her acting also feels very much as though she's going through the paces, almost too self aware. Her fluffed up lip's lipstick and gloss doesn't fit with Keats' (Pratt) grimy, disheveled bootlegger.

While Brown is given too many "noble" lines to deliver without coming off as sanctimonious, and Pratt is a little too much like Starlord at his most shrill and irritating; you can mostly forgive them because of their innate charm.

The Russo brothers are definitely talented, so there is a high bar set before you watch the first scene.

But they made a choice, the scary barren world that the book painted beautifully, is not the direction they picked. Instead they leaned into a little Spielberg, a little Lucas and some James Gunn. It doesn't make for a perfect movie, but hey, I watched the whole thing and wasn't mad that I did.

There's a lot of kvetching about the big budget and where did it all go. I have two thoughts on that: one, those cool shots of the giant bots, and the very good animatronic facial expressions weren't cheap. Second, the movie definitely feels like there were a number of scenes that were cut. Quite a few actually. I'd definitely watch the full cut, if there is such a thing. There are many telling points, story jumps being one, but Holly Hunter is too much of an accomplished actress to appear in one scene, and a voiceover.

So, give it a watch, you won't be mad that you did, and if you are, well, there's worse things to be mad at.

Just don't expect to be blown away, and hoping for a new franchise.

Honestly, I guess this film is aimed at the 5-10 age group, and I think that makes it fine....ok....not too awful etc etc.

For a background film while you cook, it's ok. Difficult to follow anyhow when you sit and concentrate.

With the amount of well known names in this film, and the fact I love sci-fi, I was truly expecting and hoping for so much better.

People giving this a ten? Really? Have you never watched a film before, or think this is the height of sci-fi?

Acting for me was all good, even MBB whom I'm not a fan of. It's the story that lets it down. Lack of cohesion, lack of direction, absolute lack of compassion for any of the characters. :-(

Stålenhag's artstyle is unique, interesting and captivating. Mostly because it depicts idyllic landscapes combined with a mysterious kind of sci-fi. It's evocative. Unique.

The Electric State does not capture that at all, it takes all of the beauty of Stålenhags art and makes it so, so, bland. There's none of the mystery, nothing feels really special and I feel that the world lacks the environmental storytelling that makes Stålenhags artwork amazing.

The story itself was amazingly bland and boring. As well as predictable.

If you want something great in Simon's world, watch Tales from the Loop.

Looking for a good sit down with the family popcorn movie? Then this is the movie for you. A few cus words but no F-bombs. It moves at a good pace and does a good job keeping one's attention. I'd say it falls under the category of an action comedy. There are a few serious and emotional moments. I felt that the setting and CGI was done well. It was fun reliving my teenage years, lots of nostalgia for us 70's and 80's baby's. The movie was a little predictable and had some plot twists but otherwise it was a pretty straight forward movie. This movie past my sleep testI and I'd definitely watch it agin. I wouldn't say this movie was super funny but it did have a good bit of action and comedy. It definitely has its moments that make you laugh and cry. It's worth the watch!

Netflix, along with the Russos, have turned a thought provoking, powerful, perverse piece of sci-fi, into a Chris Pratt buddy film.

The entire premise of the source graphic novel is gone.

It is quite frankly insulting.

Nothing against the actors, who are working with an abysmal script, and turn in respectable performances it's just that it spectacularly misses the mark and the point.

At least they got the visuals right....... which is why I have rated it two stars.

If you enjoyed the movie, great, just don't read the original graphic novel, because you'll need a different mindset altogether.....

The Electric State doesn't reinvent the wheel, but it knows how to keep you hooked. With an aesthetic that transports you straight to the '90s and a touch of dystopian sci-fi, it throws us into a ruined world where a young woman, accompanied by a charming robot, embarks on a journey full of dangers and surprises. While it borrows from many other stories, it manages to carve out its own identity thanks to its strong visual style, which gives it a distinct and immersive feel.

One of its biggest strengths is how well it balances emotion and action. It has moments that truly resonate, combined with spectacular sequences that maintain a solid rhythm. Some scenes may overstay their welcome, but the chemistry between the protagonists and the appeal of the world they inhabit keep the film engaging. Visually, it delivers exactly what it needs to-without aiming for groundbreaking effects, but with a technical execution that feels polished and effective.

Perhaps its biggest flaw is that it doesn't fully tap into its potential. The foundation is interesting, but at times it feels like the story could have gone further. Even so, The Electric State delivers exactly what it promises: a well-crafted adventure, packed with emotion and striking visuals. It may not be the most original sci-fi offering, but if you enjoy these kinds of nostalgic journeys, it's definitely worth a watch.

"Electric State" is a disappointing misfire, desperate to capture the magic of Ready Player One but failing at every turn. The script is abysmal-disjointed, sluggish, and lacking any meaningful character development. Millie Bobby Brown struggles, though it's hard to blame her when the dialogue and pacing are so weak. The relationship with her brother is really uncomfortable at times and that doesn't really serve to add much to the plot. The film drags endlessly, stuffing the middle with filler while rushing the conclusion. A slowed version of Wonderwall at the end only adds to the cringe. This could've been half the length and twice as effective. One of Netflix's biggest flops-don't waste your time.

This movie was great for me and the whole family. It was really a heartwarming movie. The designs of the robots transported me back to the '90. The cast was great and I dont even understand the hate for Chris and Millie, they were amazing. Is it perfect? Of course not, Would I have changed something in the movie? Not at all. Just enjoy the movie for what it is, not for what you wanted to be. Not even a single scene that I would say it could had been better. We need more family sci-fi movies like this one. And yes the Russo are the directors but not because of that this movie needed to be another Avenger.

When are people going to get, that the Russo Brothers can't tell apart a great story from a meaningless piece of malarkey?

They did a string of pointless series and poorly rated comedies until by some miracle they landed the Captain America and Avengers movies, which are fan-films written "for them" with little-to-no audience scrutiny, after which studio execs and Netflix labelled them "bankable" and started throwing huge sums of money after their - now - endless stream of mediocrity.

Spending $200m on the pathetic John Wick copy (aka The Gray Man) has now culminated with this $320m piece of... Honestly, who cares? 🤷

Well, someone should. Because it has never been harder to get a movie made... The only ones getting made are ultra low budget $4-6m movies (which go on to win 5 Oscars) or... Whatever this is? Nothing in between.

Yet... In "between" used to have auteurs like Aronofsky, Coen Brothers, even Scorsese. Now they have to either jump on the "bandwagon" or quit...

The Russo Brothers are not to blame but it's a disgrace that Execs believe that supporting $200-350m movies with stories that could be written on the back of an envelope, has more merit that making twenty $15m movies that... Oh I don't know... Matter?

Who knows... One of them could actually be a real movie with a story that means something.

So wanted to enjoy this. But... Oh, boy, what a dull movie. The actors look bored. The script is one of the worst I have witnessed. It's a hodge podge of other movie's scenes. ET, Aliens, T2 in the first 10 mins alone.

What a waste of talent. Is everyone now just cashing in the Netflix dollar and not caring about entertaining the audience. $320m and there's no soul, nobody to care about, no humour, no story, no jeopardy, nothing.

Predictable. The two stars look lost. The only redeeming feature is the FX which are phenomenally good. But you'd have as much fun flicking through the pictures in the book than you would sitting through 2 hours of this trite.

If "The Electric State" were a dinner, it'd be a perfectly grilled cheese sandwich-comforting, nostalgic, slightly mysterious if you question the cheese too much, and somehow deeply philosophical.

This movie has everything you need for a solid family movie night: robots with more personality than half my extended family, a dystopian landscape that looks suspiciously like post-holiday Walmart parking lots, and a sibling duo that reminds you why you both love and fear road trips.

Millie Bobby Brown carries the film with her trademark intense stare, while the robot sidekick brings big Wall-E-meets-Google-Maps energy. There's action, emotion, and just enough plot holes to make for a fun debate over popcorn.

Sure, it's not perfect-at one point I asked myself, "Wait... did we ever explain that giant floating death thing?"-but hey, it looks cool, sounds cool, and made my teenager put down his phone for almost 40 full minutes. That's practically a miracle.

So, buckle up, suspend disbelief, and enjoy the ride. Just maybe don't ask too many questions about the robot laws. Or the plot logic. Or... anything, really.

Final Verdict: 7 out of 10. Would recommend if you like sci-fi, sibling bonding, or questioning the meaning of life with a laser beam in the background.