Unraveling The Electric State: A Daring Dive into 1990s Robot Apocalypse Madness!

"Review: 'The Electric State' – A 1990s Robot Apocalypse?"

"The Electric State" film diverges from the illustrated novel, offering a garish, shallow adaptation that sacrifices depth for action and humor.

Michael Anderson16 March 2025Last Update : 18 hours ago

‘The Electric State’ Review: 1990s Robot Apocalypse? As If!

www.nytimes.com

In “The Electric State,” a young woman and her robot companion navigate a post-apocalyptic America. This dystopian tale, set in an alternate 1990s, reveals a world where machines nearly destroyed humanity. With hyper-capitalism and virtual reality taking over, the film adaptation on Netflix misses the depth of the original illustrated novel by Simon Stalenhag.

6 Key Takeaways

"The Electric State" explores a dystopian future.
Book's narrative is muted and evocative.
Movie adaptation is criticized for being garish.
Main character's role diminished in film.
Film lacks coherent message on technology.
Ending provokes strong negative reaction.

Fast Answer: “The Electric State,” now streaming on Netflix, presents a vibrant yet shallow take on a dystopian future. While the original story explores deep themes of technology and humanity, the film opts for flashy visuals and cliché characters, appealing more to action fans than those seeking substance.

Exploring the Dystopian Themes in “The Electric State” Film Adaptation

Is “The Electric State” a missed opportunity? The film offers a thrilling ride, but it strays far from the poignant themes of the illustrated novel. The narrative focuses on a young woman, Michelle, and her robot, yet it shifts to a more conventional story with a smuggler and a tech villain. This transformation raises questions about the true essence of the story.

Warning! The film adaptation may disappoint fans of the original novel. While it has visual flair, it lacks the emotional depth and nuanced storytelling that made the book compelling.

Why the Film Fails to Capture the Original Novel’s Essence

The film adaptation of “The Electric State” diverges significantly from its source material. While the novel paints a haunting picture of a world ravaged by technology, the movie opts for a more commercial approach. Here are some key points highlighting this difference:

The novel’s subtle narrative is replaced by a loud, action-driven plot.
Character development is sacrificed for flashy visuals and humor.
Important themes of social disconnect and technological addiction are glossed over.
The film’s ending leaves viewers confused rather than contemplative.

Character Changes: From Depth to Cliché in “The Electric State”

In the illustrated novel, Michelle’s journey is deeply personal and reflective. However, in the film, her character is overshadowed by the more flamboyant smuggler, Keats, played by Chris Pratt. This shift raises concerns about the portrayal of female characters in Hollywood. Why sacrifice a strong female lead for a typical action hero?

Visuals vs. Story: The Dilemma of “The Electric State”

The film boasts impressive visuals, showcasing a retrofuturistic landscape filled with imaginative robots. Yet, these stunning images come at the cost of a coherent narrative. The film’s reliance on special effects over substance begs the question: can a movie truly succeed without a strong story?

In conclusion, while “The Electric State” offers an entertaining experience, it falls short of capturing the profound themes of the original novel. Viewers looking for a thoughtful exploration of technology’s impact may find themselves disappointed.