A bold vision of an alternate 1990s where robot companions turned against humanity
Have you ever wondered what would happen if the tech boom of the ’90s went in a completely different direction? Netflix’s latest sci-fi spectacle “The Electric State” answers that question with a haunting vision of an America overrun by rogue robots and nostalgic technology gone wrong. I just finished watching the Russo Brothers’ $300 million adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s cult graphic novel, and I’ve got thoughts—lots of them.
A Retro-Futuristic Road Trip Through the Apocalypse
“The Electric State” drops us into an alternate 1990s America where giant robots and AI companions have become commonplace, only to rebel against their human creators. At the center of this chaos is Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), a determined teenager journeying across a robot-infested wasteland with her mechanical companion Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie) to find her missing brother.
The film wastes no time establishing its unique visual identity. Abandoned shopping malls, desolate highways scattered with robot parts, and nostalgic technology warped into something sinister create a world that feels both familiar and alien. The Russo Brothers have clearly poured their Marvel-honed visual storytelling skills into crafting this distinctive dystopia.
Star Power in a Broken World
Millie Bobby Brown continues to prove she’s one of the most compelling young actors working today. As Michelle, she balances vulnerability and grit in a performance that anchors the emotional core of the film. Chris Pratt brings unexpected depth to Keats, a mysterious drifter who joins Michelle’s journey. Their chemistry evolves naturally, offering moments of humor amidst the technological apocalypse.
But it’s Anthony Mackie’s voice work as Herman, Michelle’s robot protector, that delivers the film’s most surprising emotional punch. What could have been a simple CGI sidekick becomes a complex character wrestling with questions of identity and purpose in a world where his kind are seen as monsters.
Book vs. Film: A Tale of Two Electric States
Fans of Stålenhag’s original graphic novel will notice significant departures in the adaptation. While the book offers a more contemplative, atmospheric exploration of its robot-filled landscape, the Russo Brothers have crafted a more traditional hero’s journey with higher stakes and bigger action sequences.
This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—different mediums demand different approaches. The film preserves the book’s haunting visual aesthetic while adding the narrative momentum needed for a mainstream blockbuster. Some purists might grumble, but I found the changes largely respectful to the source material’s spirit.
Behind the Visual Spectacle
With a reported budget of $300 million, “The Electric State” stands as one of Netflix’s most expensive productions to date—and it shows. The visual effects seamlessly blend practical robot designs with cutting-edge CGI, creating mechanical characters that feel weighty and present in the world.
The film’s alternate 1990s setting allows for creative production design that balances nostalgia with nightmarish technological evolution. Vintage computers, clunky headsets, and VHS aesthetics are reimagined as gateways to a digital world gone rogue, creating a visual language that feels both retro and futuristic.
Themes of Connection in a Disconnected World
Beneath the spectacular robot battles and road-trip adventure beats a heart concerned with very human questions: How do we maintain connection in a world increasingly mediated by technology? What responsibilities do we have toward the intelligences we create?
The film doesn’t offer easy answers, but through Michelle’s relationship with Herman and her quest to find her brother, it suggests that genuine bonds—whether between humans or between humans and machines—might be our salvation in an increasingly artificial world.
The Verdict: A Visually Stunning Journey Worth Taking
Is “The Electric State” perfect? No. At times, its blockbuster aspirations overshadow the more thoughtful elements that made Stålenhag’s book so compelling. Some plot points feel rushed, and certain character motivations remain murky.
But these flaws don’t diminish what the Russo Brothers have accomplished: a visually arresting, emotionally engaging sci-fi adventure that stands apart in a crowded streaming landscape. It balances spectacular action with genuine heart, technological wonder with human warmth.
For fans of thoughtful sci-fi, dystopian adventures, or anyone who appreciates ambitious world-building, “The Electric State” delivers an experience that lingers long after the credits roll. Whether you’re familiar with the source material or coming in fresh, this electric journey is worth taking.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Electric State movie about?
The Electric State follows teenager Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown) and her robot companion Herman as they journey across an alternate 1990s America devastated by a robot uprising to find Michelle’s missing brother.
Who stars in The Electric State?
The film stars Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle, Chris Pratt as Keats, and Anthony Mackie as the voice of Herman the robot.
Is there a post-credits scene in The Electric State?
Yes, there is a mid-credits scene that hints at potential sequel possibilities, so stick around after the main story concludes.
How does The Electric State movie compare to the book?
While the film captures the visual aesthetic of Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel, it features a more action-oriented plot and traditional narrative structure compared to the book’s atmospheric, contemplative approach.
Will there be a sequel to The Electric State?
While Netflix hasn’t officially announced a sequel, the film’s ending and mid-credits scene certainly leave the door open for further adventures in this universe.
Have you watched The Electric State yet? What did you think about Netflix’s adaptation of this unique sci-fi world? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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