Review: The Electric State: A Hauntingly Beautiful Journey Through a Fractured America
- Teresa Robinson
- Mar 22
- 4 min read
Netflix’s The Electric State, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant sci-fi adventure that blends retro-futuristic aesthetics with a human story. The film presents a 1990s dystopian America transformed by runaway technology, where robots roam desolate highways, and society struggles to maintain its identity. While adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel, the film’s themes of displacement, survival, and the search for belonging feel eerily relevant in today's society, viewed through the lens of modern immigration challenges.
At its core, The Electric State follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), a teenager, who has lost her family, navigating this hauntingly beautiful yet perilous world in search of her missing brother. She teams up with a quirky, cartoonish robot, left behind from a now-defunct war, and a smuggler named Keats (Chris Pratt), whose past has left him unhappy with the world and those within it. As they travel a fractured America filled with abandoned technology and hidden dangers, their journey mirrors that of countless displaced individuals today—people forced to navigate uncertain landscapes, searching for safety and reunion with loved ones.
Where immigration is a contentious issue, Michelle’s story takes on a deeper meaning. She is a wanderer in a land that was once familiar but is now alien, shaped by forces beyond her control. Much like refugees and asylum seekers in our world, she must rely on her resilience, the kindness of strangers, and sheer determination to carve out a future. The film subtly critiques the idea of borders—both physical and societal—posing the question: What happens when the very place you call home no longer recognizes you?
Millie Bobby Brown delivers a powerhouse performance, capturing Michelle’s vulnerability and tenacity with equal measure. Her chemistry with Chris Pratt’s Keats is authentic, portraying a reluctant alliance that slowly evolves into a familial bond. Pratt, known for his action-hero roles, brings a more layered performance here, embodying a man grappling with his past while protecting someone who represents hope for the future.
The supporting cast further enriches the narrative. Stanley Tucci shines as the enigmatic Ethan Skate, a visionary whose inventions changed the world in ways he never anticipated by any means necessary to succeed. Giancarlo Esposito’s Colonel Marshall Bradbury embodies the oppressive forces that want to control what’s left of society, echoing real-world authorities who dictate the fates of displaced populations. The film portrays the power dynamics between those who control technology and those left behind by it. A parallel to the way governments worldwide wield policies that determine who moves freely and who is left in limbo.
The Russo brothers craft a visually striking world where nostalgia and innovation collide. The film’s landscapes—abandoned highways, looming robotic remnants of a war-torn past, and neon-lit settlements—evoke both wonder and unease. The CGI is seamlessly integrated, making the robots feel like natural extensions of the world rather than mere visual effects.
One of the film’s greatest achievements is how it uses visual storytelling to reflect its deeper themes. Michelle and Keats’ journey takes them through cities that once thrived, but are now reduced to ghost towns, much like communities affected by forced migration and economic shifts. The contrast between high-tech advancements and societal collapse serves as a reminder that progress often comes at a cost—one that is disproportionately borne by the most vulnerable.
Alan Silvestri’s score blends orchestral swells with synthetic undertones, creating an atmospheric soundscape that heightens the film’s emotional weight. Just as Michelle’s journey is marked by moments of loss and hope, the music reflects a world on the brink—both beautiful and tragic. The score feels reminiscent of themes we see in modern news cycles—flashes of hope amid ongoing crises, and the quiet resilience of those searching for a better life.
While The Electric State is a sci-fi adventure on the surface, its underlying message is profoundly relevant. It presents a world where borders are blurred, where some people are forced to wander while others dictate the rules of survival. The film invites viewers to consider the human cost of progress and the resilience of those who refuse to be left behind, searching for connection.
In today’s climate, where immigration policies shift rapidly and countless individuals face uncertain futures, Michelle’s story feels all too real. She is not just a hero in a sci-fi epic—she represents anyone searching for a place to call home. Through its breathtaking visuals and heartfelt performances, The Electric State is not just an escape into another world; it’s a reflection of our own, reminding us of the enduring power of hope, connection, and the fight for belonging.
Netflix’s The Electric State is a triumph of storytelling and world-building, offering both spectacle and substance. It is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll, prompting important conversations about displacement, technology, and what it truly means to find home. With stunning performances, an evocative soundtrack, and a narrative rich in meaning, this film stands as one of the most thought-provoking sci-fi entries of the decade.
In a time when division and uncertainty are taking over headlines, The Electric State delivers a poignant reminder: even in a world that seems broken, the human spirit endures.
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