Set in a retro-futuristic 1994, after a robot uprising and subsequent war, orphaned teenager Michelle played by (Millie Bobby Brown) journeys across a desolate American West to find her missing younger brother. Michelle navigates a landscape littered with the remnants of the conflict and the strange, isolating technology that defines this era. The film also stars Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Ke Huy Kwan and Giancarlo Esposito.
The film sets up an emotionally charged premise, but Michelle’s journey never quite reaches the depth it needs to make her struggle feel truly compelling. Moments that should be poignant fall flat and it left me with a protagonist who feels more like a vessel for the plot rather than a fully realized person.
Chris Pratt has developed a signature action-hero persona over the years, and while that charisma has worked in certain roles, his character Keats in the film comes across as predictable. Chalk it up to bad character development, there are no surprises in his portrayal, as there are no moments where he pushes beyond what we’ve already seen him do in countless other projects.
The real stars of the film, however, are Stanley Tucci and the computer-generated robots. Tucci, as always, brings a level of gravitas and nuance to his performances and the robots definitely brought the comedy in this film.
Ultimately, “The Electric State” is a visually stunning film with flashes of excellence, particularly in its effects and select performances. I personally expected more from the Russo Brothers, but its underwhelming character arcs and all too familiar turn from Pratt hold it back from being something truly special.
It’s entertaining enough for a one-time watch, but it leaves you wishing it had dared to push further.
“The Electric State” is now streaming on Netflix.
