“The Electric State” Just Couldn’t Find Its Spark

When it comes to films, there are times when a star-studded cast and acclaimed directors simply can’t salvage a lackluster screenplay. “The Electric State” is a perfect example of this disappointment. Despite the talent involved, the film felt empty and all too familiar, like we were watching a lesser version of previous Russo Brothers productions. It’s becoming all too common for Netflix to churn out action flicks in the same way Hallmark does with rom-coms—quantity seems to take precedence over quality and inspiration.

The film tries to stuff what feels like a trilogy’s worth of material into a mere two hours, which is a recipe for disaster. A longer format, like a trilogy or mini-series, might have given the story the chance to develop properly, instead of rushing through pivotal moments with hasty exposition. We need the emotional groundwork laid before the big moments hit; otherwise, they feel forced and unearned.

What’s truly disappointing is that the trailer had me hooked. The premise was promising and relevant, and some of my favorite actors were on board. But if Stanley Tucci can’t rescue a film, you know it’s in trouble. Chris Pratt’s performance felt disappointingly flat and uninspired, while Millie Bobby Brown, despite her talent, couldn’t quite bring the emotional depth that the role demanded. Everything felt bland and contrived—no spark, no life. Even with a cast full of stars, this movie struggled to find its footing.

Visually, the CGI and robot designs were impressive, but it seemed like the Russo Brothers were banking on that alone to recreate the epic scope of “Avengers: Endgame” without establishing any real emotional stakes.

At this point, I’m eager to see the Russo Brothers create something truly compelling outside the Marvel universe. If they continue down this path, they might find themselves out of the directing game by 2030. Check it out for yourself, but I can’t shake the feeling that this was a massive swing and a miss.

The Electric State is streaming now on Netflix.