Netflix’s new film, The Electric State, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, has sparked conversations with its blend of action, comedy, and deep themes about human connection in a robot-filled world. Set in a 1990s alternate reality, the movie explores a society fractured after a war between humans and robots. Teenager Michelle (Brown) and veteran Keats (Pratt) team up with a robot to champion robot independence, challenge a powerful corporation named Sentre, and reconnect humanity by pushing them offline. However, the journey includes a poignant sacrifice: saving Michelle’s brother Christopher (Woody Norman) by ending his life.
To clarify the film’s intricate plot and answer fan questions, Chris Pratt and directors Joe and Anthony Russo have provided insights into the movie’s key moments, including character motivations, Disney’s unexpected role, and the significance of Mr. Peanut.
Keats’ Robot Romance?
One of the film’s lighter moments arises when Keats, believing his robot companion Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie) is destroyed, confesses romantic feelings. Herman reappears, smaller but alive, having overheard everything. Pratt playfully suggests this could be explored further in a sequel, hinting at deeper feelings between Keats and Herman beyond friendship. This romantic confession was actually improvised by Pratt during filming and was embraced by the Russo brothers for its blend of humor and heart. Joe Russo highlighted the improvisation’s value in adding dimension and warmth to their relationship.
Another improvisation from Pratt that made the final cut was Keats’s curse, “God bless America,” inspired by his mother’s own expression of anger.
Disney’s Robot Connection
In a surprising twist, the robots in The Electric State are revealed to be creations of Walt Disney, who in this universe, initiated a robot rebellion. The directors explained that securing Disney’s approval to use their likeness was straightforward, given their prior work with Marvel. The idea to link Disney to the robot origins emerged during post-production. Joe Russo mentioned that they envisioned the robots as user-friendly and appealing, much like Disney’s creations. This connection made Disney a fitting, albeit unexpected, source for these fictional robots, adding a layer of irony and cultural commentary.
Mr. Peanut’s Leadership Role
Adding to the film’s quirky charm is Mr. Peanut, voiced by Woody Harrelson, a promotional mascot turned leader of the robot rebellion. The Russo brothers included Mr. Peanut to inject humor into the narrative, aiming for a tone that would resonate with family audiences. They felt that Mr. Peanut as a leader was both funny and approachable, giving the robot uprising a unique, folksy appeal. The directors also hinted at numerous other robot designs featured as Easter eggs throughout the movie, encouraging viewers to spot them in background scenes.
The Necessity of Sacrifice
The emotional core of The Electric State lies in the fate of Michelle’s brother, Chris. Early in the film, Chris foreshadows his destiny by mentioning Einstein’s stolen brain. The villainous Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci) kidnaps Chris, using his intellect to power Sentre’s Neurocaster technology, which allows consciousness transfer into robots. After years of captivity, Chris, having escaped into a Kid Cosmo robot, reunites with Michelle. However, to dismantle Sentre, Chris reveals his symbiotic link to the technology necessitates his death. He convinces Michelle to end his life, a sacrifice that destroys Sentre but devastates Michelle.
Anthony Russo explained that Chris’s death was crucial for a meaningful resolution, balancing hope with the heavy cost of their journey. Joe Russo emphasized their desire to create a family film that challenges audiences emotionally, similar to movies that deeply impacted them as children. He described filming the emotionally charged scene between Brown and Norman as profoundly moving, highlighting Brown’s intense emotional immersion and the difficulty of portraying such a loss.
The directors also pointed out Mr. Peanut’s mercy towards Ethan Skate at the end, emphasizing the robots’ capacity for humanity, contrasting it with human failings. This decision was designed to explore themes of morality and empathy in a technologically advanced future.
Future of ‘Electric State’
While there are no immediate plans for a movie sequel, the Russo brothers are keen to expand The Electric State universe. They mentioned a game release coinciding with the movie and potential discussions for a TV series, indicating their interest in further exploring this immersive world beyond the film.
The Electric State is currently available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a thought-provoking and visually rich experience that blends action, humor, and poignant themes about technology and humanity.
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