‘The Electric State’ Tries to Be the Next ‘Stranger Things’ with Nostalgia—But It Falls Flat

Netflix’s The Electric State not only revisits the nostalgia of the 1990s but also delves into the anxieties of our modern technological landscape. Directed by the Russo Brothers, known for their work on Avengers: Endgame, this film promises to captivate audiences with its unique blend of sci-fi adventure, dystopian themes, and a star-studded cast featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt.

However, despite its grand ambitions, early reviews suggest that The Electric State may not live up to the hype, with critics calling it a visually impressive yet narratively underwhelming effort. The Hollywood Reporter calls it “a visually engaging but emotionally hollow ride,” while Collider notes that “it leans too hard on spectacle, leaving little room for character depth.”

A 90s America… But Make It Sci-Fi

Let’s paint the picture. The Electric State envisions a world where sentient robots were once a normal part of human life before being forced into exile following a failed uprising. The film presents a world filled with decaying roadside attractions, abandoned malls, and outdated technology, giving it a distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic. The idea is compelling, but the execution leaves much to be desired.

The world-building feels more like a collection of striking visuals than a lived-in environment. While the production designers clearly put effort into recreating the look of a 90s America in decline, there is little depth beyond the surface. The audience is given minimal insight into how society functions outside the Exclusion Zone, making it difficult to become fully immersed in this alternate history.

Easter Eggs from 80s/90s Pop Culture

There are nods to 80s and 90s pop culture scattered throughout the film, including a mall filled with defunct corporate mascots and outdated advertisements. Chris Pratt’s character, Keats, embodies the stereotypical washed-up 80s action hero, complete with a mullet and leather jacket, resembling Kurt Russell’s Escape from New York look.

The film also features a brief glimpse of a worn-down Chuck E. Cheese animatronic in the background of a scrapyard scene, reinforcing the theme of abandoned technological nostalgia. Additionally, one of the robots is seen flipping through a vintage Nintendo Power magazine, and a highway billboard in the Exclusion Zone still displays an ad for the first PlayStation.

Another blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment occurs when Michelle rummages through an old gas station and briefly holds up a Tamagotchi before tossing it aside, hinting at the film’s theme of human-robot companionship. These details are amusing but don’t add much to the story. However, fans of 90s culture will enjoy spotting these references, which include deep-cut nods to the era’s technology, brands, and entertainment staples. (I also spotted a Pizza Hut “Book It! sticker – which brought back all the feels)

These details are amusing but don’t add much to the story. The references often feel like they exist solely for recognition rather than serving a larger purpose.

Why The Electric State Falls Short as the Next Stranger Things

The story attempts to replicate the mix of adventure, mystery, and emotional stakes that made Stranger Things a success, but it never quite lands. The film is too focused on its world-building to develop its characters in meaningful ways. Moments that should be emotional or impactful come across as rushed, making it difficult to invest in Michelle’s journey.

Millie Bobby Brown plays Michelle, the film’s protagonist, in what should have been a defining post-Stranger Things role. Unfortunately, her character lacks depth, spending most of the movie reacting to events rather than driving the plot forward. Michelle’s motivation—finding her missing brother—is clear, but the film fails to make the audience care. Her dynamic with Keats is serviceable but lacks chemistry, and much of their banter feels forced.

The Robots Are a Missed Opportunity

One of the most visually interesting aspects of the film is its cast of robotic characters, particularly Cosmo, Michelle’s robot companion. Voiced by Alan Tudyk, Cosmo has a simplistic yet expressive design that should make him a memorable addition to the sci-fi canon. However, like many aspects of the film, his potential is wasted. He functions as little more than a plot device, offering minimal emotional connection or meaningful contribution to Michelle’s development.

Then there’s Mr. Peanut, a former corporate mascot turned leader of the Exclusion Zone’s robots. Woody Harrelson voices him with enthusiasm, but the character never rises above being a quirky side note. The film introduces the idea that robots have developed their own society in exile but never explores this concept in depth. Instead, the robots are mostly used as comic relief or background dressing.

The AI Themes: Interesting But Underdeveloped

One of the more promising elements of The Electric State is its exploration of AI and digital escapism. In this world, humans use Neurocasters, devices that allow them to transfer their consciousness into robotic bodies, effectively letting them escape reality. This idea has real-world parallels with the rise of AI and virtual reality, yet the film barely scratches the surface.

Rather than engaging with this technology’s ethical dilemmas or consequences, the film treats Neurocasters as another piece of world-building that looks cool but lacks real substance. It’s a missed opportunity to explore themes of identity, human-machine relationships, and the dangers of unchecked technological progress. Instead, the film opts for a straightforward adventure story that barely engages with the philosophical questions at its core.

My Thoughts…

The Electric State had all the ingredients to be a standout sci-fi film: an interesting premise, a visually rich world, and a talented cast. But it ultimately falls short due to weak character development, underutilized themes, and a story that feels more like a series of set pieces than a cohesive narrative. It’s a movie that looks great but lacks substance, making it a forgettable addition to Netflix’s growing catalog of sci-fi epics.

Who Should Watch It?

For die-hard fans of the graphic novel or those who enjoy the aesthetics of retro-futurism, The Electric State might be worth a watch. But for those looking for a sci-fi film with depth, strong storytelling, or meaningful themes, this one is unlikely to leave a lasting impression.

Check out the trailer below.