Netflix’s latest big-budget film, “The Electric State,” directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, has generated a lot of buzz, but not for the reasons the filmmakers or the streamer would have hoped. The film, which reportedly cost a staggering $320 million to make, is currently the most expensive movie in Netflix history. Despite topping streaming charts initially, the film only generated 25.2 million views over its opening weekend, falling short of the debuts for other Netflix films like “Enola Holmes 2” and “Rebel Ridge.” The film also received scathing reviews, currently holding a 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Based on Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 graphic novel, “The Electric State” follows a young woman (played by Millie Bobby Brown) and a sentient robot as they search for her presumed dead brother. However, the Russos’ adaptation has been criticized for replacing the originality of the source material with generic, algorithm-friendly storytelling. The film’s cast includes big names like Chris Pratt, Anthony Mackie, and Stanley Tucci, but many of their roles are so small that they suggest heavy reshoots and excised footage.
The characters are also one-dimensional archetypes with tragic backstories, making the film feel bland and uninspired. The Russos’ recent work outside of the Marvel Cinematic Universe has struggled to make a lasting impact, despite commanding astronomical budgets.
Netflix’s costly underperforming blockbuster
Their spy thriller “The Gray Man” and the Prime Video series “Citadel” both failed to leave a significant mark on the public consciousness. “The Electric State” argues for a society that values togetherness and imagination, but the movie itself fails to deliver on that promise. Instead, it feels like a collection of half-baked ideas and references to other, better films.
The film’s ending, however, does offer some emotional resonance. Michelle must make a significant sacrifice to shut down the technology that has been powering the war-torn world. The film’s creators, including Brown and Pratt, have spoken about the importance of the relationships and emotions at the heart of the story.
Despite its shortcomings, “The Electric State” aims to deliver a poignant narrative on the interplay between humans and technology. However, its failure to live up to expectations may have significant implications for both the Russo brothers and Netflix’s future approach to high-budget, original filmmaking.
Photo by; Denise Jans on Unsplash
