The Electric State: Russo Brothers’ Sci-Fi Epic Misses the Mark

The Electric State: Russo Brothers’ Sci-Fi Epic Misses the Mark

Before the Russo brothers took over Marvel’s biggest projects, they were known for comedy hits like You, Me, and Dupree, Arrested Development, and Community. Their witty, fast-paced style blended well with the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), shaping massive successes like Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Infinity War.

However, their latest sci-fi film, The Electric State, marks a stark departure from their trademark humour and energy. Despite its massive $320 million budget and a star-studded cast, including Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown, the film struggles under its own weight.

Figure 1: The Electric State, despite its budget and cast, lacks Russo Borthers’ signature humour and energy. [Netflix/Collected from: IGN]

A Grand Vision That Falls Flat

Based on Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel, The Electric State presents an alternate 1990s where humanity has fought and defeated sentient robots. These machines, once created for daily tasks, gained self-awareness and rebelled. After a brutal war, humans forced the remaining robots into exile while repurposing drone-control technology for immersive virtual experiences.

Figure 2: Moments from Russo Brothers’ Sci-Fi Epic The Electric State [Collected from: IGN]

The story follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), a troubled teenager searching for her missing younger brother, Chris. Her companion is Cosmo, a quirky robot who claims to hold Chris’s consciousness. Their journey takes them through a dystopian landscape filled with abandoned robots and dangerous enforcers. They team up with John Keats (Chris Pratt), a black-market smuggler, as they evade Colonel Bradbury (Giancarlo Esposito), a ruthless enforcer intent on eliminating rogue robots.

This setup holds potential for an emotional, action-packed adventure. However, the film lacks the dynamic storytelling that made the Russos’ previous works so engaging. Instead of embracing the absurdity of its premise, The Electric State leans into a somber, almost joyless tone.

Chris Pratt Tries to Save the Day

Chris Pratt, best known for his roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, injects some much-needed personality into the film. His portrayal of John Keats offers moments of dry humour and roguish charm, reminiscent of his earlier roles. However, the script gives him little to work with.

Pratt’s interactions with Brown’s Michelle are functional but lack chemistry. The film rarely allows its characters to breathe or develop beyond their immediate objectives. Millie Bobby Brown, who shined in Enola Holmes and Stranger Things, delivers a solid performance but is weighed down by heavy-handed melodrama.

Figure 3: Chris Pratt in a scene from The Electric State [Netflix/Collected From: IGN]

Despite a talented cast, the film’s emotional beats feel forced. Instead of natural character moments, it relies on dramatic monologues and slow-motion sequences to convey depth.

A Visual Spectacle Without Soul

The film boasts impressive visual effects, with sprawling post-apocalyptic landscapes and towering mechanical creations. The robots, particularly Cosmo, are well-designed and lifelike. Yet, for all its technical brilliance, the world feels oddly lifeless.

The action sequences, while visually striking, lack the excitement and creativity expected from the Russo brothers. Unlike the tightly choreographed fights of Captain America: The Winter Soldier or the grand-scale battles of Infinity War, these scenes feel repetitive and uninspired.

The film’s colour palette is muted, dominated by shades of grey and brown. While this fits the dystopian setting, it adds to the film’s overall sense of monotony. The Russos attempt to inject energy with a nostalgic 90s soundtrack, featuring tracks like Wonderwall and Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, but these choices feel more like distractions than meaningful additions.

A Missed Opportunity

With a premise involving sentient robots, underground smuggling, and a quest to reunite lost siblings, The Electric State had all the ingredients for an entertaining sci-fi adventure. However, the film’s overly serious approach drains it of fun.

The Russo brothers, once masters of balancing humour and action, seem hesitant to embrace the film’s more playful elements. Instead of witty dialogue and engaging character interactions, audiences get lengthy exposition and brooding stares.

Even the film’s core themes—loss, control, and the dangers of technology—feel underdeveloped. Instead of thought-provoking commentary, The Electric State delivers surface-level messages wrapped in high-budget spectacle.

Final Verdict

The Electric State is an ambitious but flawed attempt at serious sci-fi storytelling. While the visual effects and performances are commendable, the film’s dull pacing and lack of emotional depth prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Chris Pratt does his best to inject life into the story, but even his charisma isn’t enough to save it. Fans expecting a thrilling, action-packed ride will likely be disappointed.

Ultimately, The Electric State proves that even with a massive budget and top-tier talent, a film needs more than stunning visuals to succeed. It needs heart, humour, and a compelling narrative—qualities that this sci-fi epic sorely lacks.