Russo Brothers' Retro Robot Road Trip: The Electric State Review

This The Electric State review starts with a simple point: the film looks fantastic and plays it safe. Directed by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo, it is a big-budget sci-fi adventure with a lot of charm and not much bite. It works best when you turn the brain down and enjoy the ride.

The Electric State Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The Electric State plot follows Michelle, a teenage orphan living in an alternate 1990s where robots once lived beside humans and then fell out of favor. A strange little robot arrives in her life and seems to know more than it should. Together they head out on a road trip to find her long-lost brother.

On the way, Michelle meets Keats, a smuggler with a shady past, and his talkative robot sidekick. The setup is clear and easy to follow, and the road-movie structure keeps things moving. It is a familiar quest, but it gives the film room to show off its odd, rusty world.

The screenplay comes from Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the writers behind several of the Russos' earlier hits. The tagline, "Rage with the machines," hints at the playful tone, even if the film is gentler than it sounds.

What Works in The Electric State

The look of the film is its biggest asset. Abandoned robots sit in fields, old gadgets litter the roads, and the retro-futuristic design gives every frame something to stare at. The visual world is rooted in the artwork of Simon Stålenhag, and the effects team clearly had fun bringing it to life.

• Robot character design: Each machine has a distinct look and personality.

• Humor: The banter is light and often funny, especially from the robot sidekicks.

• Pace: At 125 minutes, the action beats arrive regularly and the film rarely drags.

Fans of the action movie reviews on this site will find several big set pieces to enjoy. The comedy also helps, and you can find more in our comedy movie reviews.

The Electric State Cast and Performances

The The Electric State cast is led by Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle and Chris Pratt as Keats. Brown carries the emotional thread with sincerity, though the script gives her limited room to grow. Pratt plays the rogue with his usual easy charm, which suits the role even if it is familiar territory.

Ke Huy Quan lends his voice to Dr. Amherst and P.C., Jason Alexander appears as Ted and Wingman, and Woody Norman plays Christopher. Giancarlo Esposito turns up as Colonel Bradbury and The Marshall. Several viewers single out the wisecracking robot Herman as a highlight, and the voice work in general gives the machines more life than some of the human characters.

Where The Electric State Stumbles

The main problem is tension. The film has heart and humor, but the stakes rarely feel urgent, and the danger never lingers. A PG-13 rating keeps the villains from being truly threatening, and some strong actors are given little to do.

The story also leans on familiar beats. Many moments feel borrowed from other road-trip and robot adventures, and the plot is easy to predict. Some critics have called it hollow, and they have a point: the emotional payoff does not match the scale of the spectacle.

Coming from the Russos, who have made far more gripping films, it can feel like a step down. Audience reaction has been mixed but friendly, with a TMDB score of 6.5 out of 10 from nearly 1,900 votes.

Is The Electric State Worth Watching?

Yes, The Electric State is worth watching if you want a colorful, light sci-fi adventure and you are not expecting depth. It is a pleasant way to spend an evening, with great design and a likeable pace. It is not a film that will stay with you for long.

The The Electric State release date was 24 February 2025, and it is a good pick for a relaxed night in. If you are curious about the filmmakers' bigger projects, see our take on Avengers: Doomsday. For background on the film, the IMDb page for The Electric State has full credits.

In short, the The Electric State review verdict is a solid but forgettable adventure with an excellent look and a safe script.

Who Will Enjoy The Electric State

• Viewers who like robot movies and retro sci-fi design.

• Fans of Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt looking for light entertainment.

• Families with teens who want a PG-13 adventure with plenty of jokes, similar to our picks in adventure movie reviews.