The Electric State

Synopsis

The Electric State is a visually striking science fiction film set in a dystopian near future where technology and human life intertwine in unexpected ways. The story follows Michelle (played by Millie Bobby Brown), a resourceful teenage girl who embarks on a perilous journey across a surreal and desolate American landscape strewn with the remnants of robotic warfare. As she searches for her younger brother, Michelle encounters various characters whose lives have been altered by the mechanized world they inhabit. The film explores themes of loss, resilience, and the blurred boundaries between humanity and technology, all while delivering a hauntingly atmospheric narrative filled with tense moments and poignant reflections on the cost of progress.

Cast

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  Millie Bobby Brown

  Michelle

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  Chris Pratt

  Keats

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  Ke Huy Quan

  Dr. Amherst / P.C (voice)

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  Jason Alexander

  Ted / Wingman

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  Woody Norman

  Christopher

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  Giancarlo Esposito

  Colonel Bradbury / The Marshall

Reviews

The Electric State received a mixed to largely negative response from critics and audiences alike. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low rating of 15%, indicating that most critics found significant flaws in its execution. Critics praised the film’s ambitious visual design and Millie Bobby Brown's compelling performance as Michelle, highlighting her ability to bring depth to the emotionally charged role. However, many reviews criticized the story for its slow pacing, lack of narrative cohesion, and underdeveloped supporting characters. The film’s Metacritic score of 30/100 reflects an overall unfavorable consensus, with reviewers calling it "an impressive visual experience undermined by a meandering plot" (The Guardian) and "a beautifully rendered dystopia that struggles to engage viewers emotionally" (Variety). On IMDb, the audience rating stands at 5.9/10, showing that viewers were divided, with some appreciating the film’s mood and atmosphere while others found it tedious and confusing. In summary, The Electric State stands out for its aesthetics and performances but falters in storytelling and pacing, resulting in a polarizing experience.