In an alternate version of the 1990s, where sentient robots once coexisted peacefully with humanity, The Electric State weaves a gripping tale of survival, loss, and discovery. Directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, best known for their work on Avengers: Endgame, this film adapts Simon Stalenhag‘s acclaimed graphic novel into a visual spectacle that reimagines the American West. At its heart is Michelle, portrayed by Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown, an orphaned teenager whose quest to reunite with her lost brother unfolds against a retro-futuristic backdrop.
TV
The narrative kicks off with a personal and societal reckoning: a failed robot uprising has left these once-trusted companions banished to a desolate Exclusion Zone. Enter Cosmo, a cartoonish yet enigmatic robot, who disrupts Michelle’s bleak reality with the revelation that her brother Christopher, presumed dead, might still be alive. This sparks a journey across the dusty American southwest, transforming Michelle’s grief into a determined search for answers. Along the way, Cosmo becomes more than a guide — he represents a link to a fractured world and a sibling she thought she had lost forever.
Joining Michelle on her quest is Keats, played by Chris Pratt, a scrappy smuggler with a sharp wit, and Herman, his robot sidekick voiced by Anthony Mackie. The duo’s dynamic brings a mix of humor and pathos, offering a stark contrast to Michelle’s earnest determination. They encounter a kaleidoscope of animatronic characters, some offering unexpected camaraderie, while others reveal the sinister forces behind Christopher’s disappearance.
The film’s cast is a star-studded ensemble that brings depth to this high-stakes adventure. Ke Huy Quan, fresh off his Academy Award win, lends his talent to a pivotal role, alongside the likes of Giancarlo Esposito, Stanley Tucci, and Woody Norman. Meanwhile, an impressive roster of voice talent, including Woody Harrelson, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, and Alan Tudyk — breathes life into the robot characters, creating a world teeming with complexity.
What sets The Electric State apart is its marriage of retro-futurism and emotional resonance. The film juxtaposes nostalgic 1990s aesthetics with futuristic elements, crafting a universe where neon-lit highways and robotic mascots coexist. The Russo brothers, working with screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, inject humanity into a story rooted in science fiction, exploring themes of connection, loss, and the resilience of family ties.
