The Electric State (2025) Movie Review, Plot, Cast, Ending Explained & Where to Watch

Movie Plot, Cast, Ending Explained & Review


Movie Details

  • Movie Title: The Electric State
  • Year: 2025
  • Genre: Science Fiction, Action-Adventure, Dystopian Drama
  • Country of Origin: United States
  • Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
  • Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely
  • Music Composer: Alan Silvestri
  • Cinematography: Stephen F. Windon
  • Editing: Jeffrey Ford, Matthew Schmidt
  • Production Company: AGBO
  • Distributor: Netflix
  • Release Dates:
  • Premiere: February 24, 2025 (Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre, Los Angeles)
  • Streaming Release: March 14, 2025 (Netflix)
  • Runtime: 128 minutes
  • Language: English
  • Budget: Approx. $320 million
  • Box Office: Netflix release (no theatrical box office)

Short Movie Summary

The Electric State (2025) is a large-scale, retro-futuristic sci-fi film set in an alternate 1990s America ravaged by a devastating war between humans and sentient robots. Following a teenage girl and a mysterious robot companion, the story explores corporate exploitation, artificial consciousness, grief, and the moral cost of technological progress.


Official Movie Trailer

The Electric State (2025) Trailer

The Electric State | Official Teaser | Netflix. Disclaimer: Media used on this page belongs to its respective copyright owners and is included for editorial and informational purposes only. No infringement intended.


Full Plot Overview (Spoiler-Light but Comprehensive)

A World After the Robot War

In an alternate version of the 1990s, humanity survives a catastrophic war against sentient robots. Victory comes at a cost. Sentre, a powerful technology corporation led by Ethan Skate, develops Neurocaster technology, allowing humans to upload their consciousness into drone robots.

This innovation ends the war but creates a new dystopia. Many humans abandon physical life, choosing instead to exist in a permanent virtual state, while robots are banished to the Exclusion Zone—a lawless wasteland.

Michelle Greene’s Broken Life

The story centers on Michelle Greene, a troubled teenager living in foster care after a tragic car accident that allegedly killed her parents and younger brother, Christopher. Michelle refuses to use Neurocaster technology, isolating her socially and academically.

Her life changes when she encounters Cosmo, a strange cartoon-like robot capable only of limited gestures and recorded speech. Michelle becomes convinced that Christopher’s consciousness is somehow inside Cosmo.

Journey Into the Exclusion Zone

Michelle embarks on a dangerous cross-country journey to uncover the truth. Along the way, she meets:

  • John D. Keats, a former soldier turned smuggler
  • Herman, a shape-shifting sentient robot
  • A hidden robot society led by Mr. Peanut

Their journey reveals the horrifying truth behind Neurocaster technology.

The Shocking Truth About Christopher

Dr. Clark Amherst, a former Sentre scientist, reveals that Christopher survived the accident but was left in a coma. Sentre exploited his prodigious intellect, integrating his consciousness into the Neurocaster system—using him as the core intelligence behind humanity’s technological dominance.

When Christopher briefly awakened, Amherst secretly built an escape route for his mind—Cosmo.

Corporate Retribution and War

Sentre launches a brutal assault on the Exclusion Zone. Amherst is killed, robots are destroyed, and Christopher is recaptured. Michelle, Keats, and their allies launch a desperate infiltration of Sentre headquarters.

Inside the virtual realm, Michelle finally reunites with Christopher.

Ending Explained (Spoiler-Light)

Christopher reveals he has been trapped—alive but enslaved—powering an empire built on exploitation. Michelle makes the heartbreaking decision to disconnect him, granting him freedom at the cost of his physical life.

The Neurocaster system collapses. Sentre’s drones shut down. Ethan Skate is arrested, and humanity is forced to confront the moral consequences of its technological dependence.

In the final moments, Cosmo reactivates, hinting that a fragment of Christopher may still exist.


Cast and Character Breakdown

  • Millie Bobby Brown – Michelle Greene
  • Chris Pratt – John D. Keats
  • Woody Norman – Christopher Greene
  • Stanley Tucci – Ethan Skate
  • Giancarlo Esposito – Marshall Bradbury
  • Ke Huy Quan – Dr. Clark Amherst / P.C.
  • Anthony Mackie (voice) – Herman
  • Woody Harrelson (voice) – Mr. Peanut
  • Alan Tudyk (voice) – Cosmo

Themes and Messages

  1. Corporate Greed vs. Human Dignity
  2. Ethics of Artificial Intelligence
  3. Grief, Loss, and Letting Go
  4. Freedom vs. Convenience
  5. Technological Dependency

Production Breakdown

Development

The film is loosely inspired by Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel, with the Russo Brothers opting for a reinterpretation rather than a direct adaptation.

Filming

  • Location: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Principal Photography: October 2022 – February 2023
  • Reshoots: March–April 2024

Casting

Millie Bobby Brown was attached early. Chris Pratt joined after Netflix acquired distribution rights.

Post-Production

  • Heavy VFX integration
  • Extensive CGI for robot characters
  • Score by Alan Silvestri

Critical Reception and Audience Response

  • Rotten Tomatoes: 14%
  • Metacritic: 30/100

Critics praised the visual effects but criticized:

  • Weak screenplay
  • Loose adaptation
  • Flat performances
  • Excessive budget misuse

Awards and Accolades

  • Nominated for Best Visual Effects in select industry circles

Is The Electric State Worth Watching?

If you enjoy:

  • Big-budget sci-fi spectacles
  • Dystopian technology narratives
  • Russo Brothers’ cinematic style

Then The Electric State may still be worth your time—especially for its visuals and themes.


Where to Watch The Electric State (Legal)


FAQs (SEO-Optimized)

Q1: Is The Electric State based on a book?
Yes, it is loosely based on Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel.

Q2: Why did the movie receive negative reviews?
Critics cited weak storytelling, deviation from the source material, and underwhelming performances.

Q3: Is The Electric State suitable for kids?
It is better suited for teens and adults due to mature themes.

Q4: Will there be a sequel?
No sequel has been announced.


Wikipedia – Top 5 Cast Members


Internal Links


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Editorial Disclaimer

This article is for editorial and informational purposes only. All images and media referenced are the property of their respective copyright holders.

Reference


Official Review & Major Authority Sites

  1. Rotten Tomatoes – The Electric State
    https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_electric_state (Rotten Tomatoes)
  2. TheaterByte – The Electric State (2025) Review
    https://www.theaterbyte.com/the-electric-state-2025-review-a-dystopian-letdown/ (TheaterByte)
  3. Outlook India – Millie Bobby Brown Sci-Fi Review
    https://www.outlookindia.com/amp/story/entertainment-spotlight/review/the-electric-state-2025-millie-bobby-brown-sci-fi-review (Outlook India)
  4. Times of India – The Electric State Movie Review
    https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/english/movie-reviews/the-electric-state/ottmoviereview/119032890.cms (The Times of India)
  5. Film Inquiry – The Electric State: Written By A Robot Review
    https://www.filminquiry.com/the-electric-state-2025-review/ (Film Inquiry)
  6. Medium – Film Review: The Electric State (2025)
    https://medium.com/@kristoforking/film-review-the-electric-state-2025-6ef8c6f4cd4c (Medium)
  7. The Law Press Organisation – Movie Review
    https://thelawpress.wordpress.com/2025/04/15/the-electric-state-movie-review/ (Law Press, University of Ibadan)

News & Entertainment Sites

  1. The Guardian – Film Review by Wendy Ide
    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/16/the-electric-state-review-russo-brothers-robot-saga-is-a-bogglingly-expensive-dud-millie-bobby-brown-chris-pratt (The Guardian)
  2. The Guardian – Movie Critique & Context
    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/mar/07/the-electric-state-review-millie-bobby-brown-chris-pratt-simon-stalenhag (The Guardian)
  3. Tom’s Guide – ‘The Electric State’ Is a Total Fail
    https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/netflix/the-electric-state-is-a-total-fail-and-proof-that-netflix-has-a-blockbuster-movie-problem (Tom’s Guide)
  4. BusinessWorld Online – Russo Brothers Believe Film Feels Like Pixar
    https://www.bworldonline.com/arts-and-leisure/2025/03/14/659158/russo-brothers-believe-electric-state-film-feels-like-a-pixar-movie/ (BusinessWorld Online)
  5. WPOT News – Big, Ambitious and Dull Review
    https://wtop.com/entertainment/2025/03/movie-review-russo-brothers-sci-fi-the-electric-state-is-big-ambitious-and-dull/ (WTOP News)
  6. The Guardian – Tech Bro Archetypes in The Electric State
    https://www.theguardian.com/film/2025/dec/30/move-fast-break-stuff-how-tech-bros-became-hollywoods-go-to-baddie-in-2025 (The Guardian)
  7. Tom’s Guide – 7 Worst Movies of 2025
    https://www.tomsguide.com/entertainment/streaming/from-usd300-million-flops-to-0-percent-rotten-tomatoes-duds-heres-the-7-worst-movies-of-2025 (Tom’s Guide)
  8. New York Post – ‘The Electric State’ Review
    https://nypost.com/2025/03/13/entertainment/the-electric-state-review-netflix-spent-320-million-on-a-movie-youll-hate/ (New York Post)
  9. Business Insider – Netflix Blockbusters Nobody Likes
    https://www.businessinsider.com/expensive-netflix-movies-poor-reviews (Business Insider)
  10. Entertainment Weekly – 2025 Best & Worst Films
    https://ew.com/the-best-movies-of-2025-11763015 (EW.com)

Independent & Blog Reviews

  1. Rae Serbeck – Movie Review Blog
    https://www.raeserbeck.com/movie-reviews-blog/the-electric-state-2025-movie-review.html (Rae Serbeck)
  2. Reddit – The Electric State Review Thread
    https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/1j5si7z/the_electric_state_review_thread/ (Reddit)
  3. Reddit – The Electric State Movie Thoughts
    https://www.reddit.com/r/TheElectricState/comments/1k6ouzl (Reddit)
  4. Reddit – Early Reviews Discussion
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Simon_Stalenhag/comments/1j5t1ht/early-reviews-for-the-electric-state-movie-are-in/ (Reddit)
  5. Reddit – Mixed Opinions on the Film
    https://www.reddit.com/r/TheElectricState/comments/1jbp7u9/that_movie_was_so_good/ (Reddit)
  6. Reddit – Film Adaptation Debate
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Simon_Stalenhag/comments/1jc9z4t/unpopular_opinion_stalenhag_is_right_about_the_movie/ (Reddit)
  7. Reddit – Personal Reactions & Critiques
    https://www.reddit.com/r/TheElectricState/comments/1jk4vja/how_many_of_you_would_change_your_mind_about_the_movie_being_bad/ (Reddit)
  8. Reddit – Another Review Thread
    https://www.reddit.com/r/moviereviews/comments/1kbg0cc/the_electric_state/ (Reddit)
  9. Reddit – One More Movie Discussion
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Simon_Stalenhag/comments/1jdp84e/the-electric-state-movie/ (Reddit)
  10. Reddit – Positive Fan Reaction Thread
    https://www.reddit.com/r/TheElectricState/comments/1jbdmrj/never_read_the_book_or_know_what_is_it_about_and_watched_the_movie_blindly_and_i_loved_it/ (Reddit)
  11. Reddit – Debate on Source Material Faithfulness
    https://www.reddit.com/r/Simon_Stalenhag/comments/1lahrj2/just_finished_the_electric_state_book_holy_cow_its_so_good/ (Reddit)
  12. Reddit – Another Review Thread
    https://www.reddit.com/r/TheElectricState/comments/1jbp7u9/that_movie_was_so_good/ (Reddit)

YouTube Analysis & Review Videos

  1. YouTube Review – Did the Russo Brothers Deliver?
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTzqAvz7Wvw (YouTube)

  1. Collider – Search for Electric State Review
    https://collider.com/search/?q=The+Electric+State+2025+review
  2. ScreenRant – Search Results for Electric State
    https://screenrant.com/search/the-electric-state/
  3. Slashfilm – The Electric State Articles
    https://slashfilm.com/?s=The+Electric+State
  4. Variety – The Electric State Coverage
    https://variety.com/?s=The+Electric+State
  5. Deadline – Movie News on Electric State
    https://deadline.com/?s=The+Electric+State
  6. IndieWire – Nov. 2025 Electric State Content
    https://www.indiewire.com/search/site/The%20Electric%20State/
  7. Empire Magazine – Electric State News
    https://www.empireonline.com/search/?q=Electric+State
  8. Den of Geek – Search for Electric State
    https://www.denofgeek.com/search/?q=The+Electric+State
  9. TheWrap – Electric State Articles
    https://www.thewrap.com/?s=Electric+State
  10. Film School Rejects – The Electric State Insights
    https://filmschoolrejects.com/?s=Electric+State
  11. ScreenDaily – Streaming & Netflix Review
    https://www.screendaily.com/?s=Electric+State
  12. AV Club – Movie Commentary
    https://www.avclub.com/search?q=The+Electric+State
  13. RogerEbert.com – Search Electric State
    https://www.rogerebert.com/search?q=The+Electric+State
  14. Hollywood Reporter – The Electric State Articles
    https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/search?q=Electric+State
  15. IGN – Electric State Movie Coverage
    https://www.ign.com/search?q=The+Electric+State
  16. BBC Culture – Film Search
    https://www.bbc.co.uk/search?q=The+Electric+State
  17. Fast Company – Tech & Film Analysis
    https://www.fastcompany.com/search?search=electric+state
  18. New York Times – Movies & TV Search
    https://www.nytimes.com/search?query=The+Electric+State
  19. Los Angeles Times – Movie Reviews
    https://www.latimes.com/search?q=Electric+State
  20. CNN Entertainment – Film Coverage
    https://www.cnn.com/search?q=The+Electric+State


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