How would humanity deal with a robotic dystopia? “The Electric State” offers an intriguing glimpse into a retro-futuristic world shaped by humans and technology. It sees a young woman set out on a journey to find her brother, encountering surprising new allies and challenges. This Netflix adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s graphic novel comes from Anthony and Joe Russo (“Avengers: Endgame”)—the duo helm the film, with a screenplay by frequent Marvel collaborators Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely.
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The filmmakers are all too familiar with sci-fi and fantasy entertainment. Joe Russo spoke about growing up with the genres for a Tudum preview..”…so our brains are always [there]. Our creative ethos is always attracted to these big, fantastical ideas that can present really interesting themes but also be highly entertaining at the same time.”
‘State’ brings together an outstanding cast for the film. “Stranger Things” star Millie Bobby Brown leads the ensemble. Chris Pratt portrays a drifter who befriends Brown’s character and her robotic companion. Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, Jason Alexander, Giancarlo Esposito, and Woody Norman appear as the film’s human characters. Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, and Jenny Slate additionally lend their voices to the film’s robots. Slate is no stranger to voice acting, having worked on “Bob’s Burgers,” “The Great North,” and 2021’s “Marcel the Shell with Shoes On.”
The film’s official synopsis:
The Electric State tells the story of Michelle (Brown), a young woman with a sweet but mysterious robot. The pair team up with an eccentric drifter (Pratt) and set out on a cross-country road trip to find Michelle’s younger brother. Along the way, they have to navigate an electrified, retro-futuristic US landscape.
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Robots and humans co-exist in “The Electric State.” The film premieres on Netflix in March 2025. Get your first look at the trailer below.