Review and Analysis of Netflix’s Most Expensive Sci-Fi Movie: “The Electric State”

Netflix has officially launched its most extravagant film to date, titled “The Electric State, ” directed by the acclaimed Russo brothers. With an impressive budget that surpasses $300 million, this cinematic production represents not only a monumental investment from Netflix but also ranks among the priciest films ever created.

In this article, we will delve into the narrative of “The Electric State, ” evaluate its entertainment value, and unpack its intriguing ending.

Unraveling the Narrative: What is “The Electric State” About?

Set in a reimagined mid-1990s reality where robots have seamlessly integrated into everyday life, “The Electric State” follows the journey of Michelle, an orphaned teenager played by Millie Bobby Brown. She is on a quest to locate her long-lost brother amidst a backdrop of technological chaos induced by a robot rebellion.

Accompanied by Keats, a down-and-out smuggler enacted by Chris Pratt, and his robotic companion Herman, voiced by Anthony Mackie, the film dives deep into the conflicts between tech tycoons and scientists. It also highlights the marginalized existence of robots within society.

Analyzing the Conclusion: The Ending of “The Electric State” Explained

The climax of “The Electric State” revolves around Michelle’s search and her complex interactions with both robots and humans. While avoiding steep spoilers, it’s safe to say that the film ends with an unexpected twist that intricately weaves themes of rebellion and societal transformation.

The Climactic Moment: Michelle’s Ultimate Sacrifice

During the film’s intense finale, Michelle (played by Millie Bobby Brown) bravely infiltrates the Sentre headquarters in a daring attempt to save her brother Christopher, who is revealed to be the linchpin of the neurocaster network—a virtual reality framework enslaving humanity.

Christopher informs Michelle that his existence is interlinked with the survival of the Sentre system: his demise would lead to a complete shutdown of the neuromancer network and all associated drones.

Despite her hesitations, Michelle comes to the painful realization that disconnecting Christopher is the only way to liberate humanity from its technological enslavement and thwart the global ambitions of Ethan Skate (the film’s antagonist).

In a heart-wrenching decision, Michelle ultimately pulls the plug on her brother’s life support. This act obliterates the Sentre network and cripples all drones, freeing humankind from the clutches of this detrimental technology.

The emotional weight of this scene is palpable as Michelle witnesses her brother’s heartbeat fade, fully aware that her sacrifice has saved the world but at an immense personal cost.

Netflix's Most Expensive Sci-Fi Movie: The Electric State Review and Analysis — Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, and Millie Bobby Brown in The Electric State | Source: IMDb

The Final Scene: Is There Hope for Christopher?

The film concludes on a note of ambiguity. Following Christopher’s death, Cosmo—the robot he communicated with—reawakens, leading to two intriguing possibilities:

Cosmo has transitioned into a conventional robot, disconnected from Christopher’s consciousness.
A fragment of Christopher’s mind might reside within Cosmo, suggesting a future chance for reunion between Michelle and her brother.

This open-ended conclusion fosters various interpretations and hints at a potential sequel. It resonates with earlier suggestions that Christopher’s exceptional intellect may have enabled him to safeguard a part of his consciousness beyond death.

The Downfall of Ethan Skate

With the Sentre corporation dismantled and its drones neutralized, Ethan Skate (portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito) faces public exposure for his unethical experiments involving Christopher. His arrest marks the end of his ability to exploit technology for selfish aims.

Evaluating Entertainment Value: Is “The Electric State” Worth Watching?

Despite its ambitious premise and star-studded ensemble cast, “The Electric State” has not fared well with critics, holding a disappointing score of around 17% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have branded it as a “monumental disaster” and described it as “dumb and unfunny.”

Nevertheless, fans of retro-futuristic aesthetics and those who admire the Russo brothers’ filmmaking might still uncover moments of enjoyment. While it may not resonate with all viewers, the film showcases whimsical inventions and an intriguing mix of humor and action.

Final Thoughts: Is “The Electric State” a Box Office Flop?

Although “The Electric State” has drawn significant criticism, its substantial production cost and unfavorable reviews prompt critical reflections on Netflix’s investment strategies.

This film’s predicament serves as a cautionary tale regarding the risks associated with high-budget endeavors in the streaming sector.

Still, for devoted sci-fi fans and those keen on innovative storytelling, “The Electric State” may offer distinctive entertainment, even if it falls short of its lofty aspirations.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Netflix’s High-Budget Productions

The outcome of “The Electric State” has the potential to influence Netflix’s strategy regarding forthcoming large-scale projects. As the streaming arena evolves with increasing competition, platforms must navigate the delicate balance between financial investment and audience appeal, alongside maintaining critical acclaim.

Whether “The Electric State” can recover its investments hinges on future viewer response, but it undeniably marks a pivotal point in Netflix’s production journey.

About “The Electric State”

“The Electric State” (2025) emerges as a science fiction action-adventure film adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated narrative, directed by the Russo brothers. This film is set in an alternative version of the 1990s, chronicling Michelle’s (Millie Bobby Brown) quest to locate her brother Christopher, who is presumed dead following a conflict between humans and robots.

Teaming up with ex-soldier Keats (Chris Pratt) and sentient robot Herman, Michelle exposes a dark conspiracy that involves the Sentre corporation exploiting Christopher’s intellect to govern drone technology.

By examining themes of loss, corporate greed, and the essence of humanity, the film culminates with Michelle liberating Christopher from his digital prison, dismantling Sentre’s control, and hinting at an enduring part of his consciousness.

Source & Images