Netflix has just released its most expensive movie ever, “The Electric State,” directed by the renowned Russo brothers. With a budget exceeding $300 million, this film is a significant investment for Netflix and one of the most expensive movies ever made.
Let’s dive into what “The Electric State” is about, whether it’s worth watching, and explore its ending.
What is “The Electric State” About?
“The Electric State” is set in an alternate mid-1990s reality where robots have been integrated into society for decades. The story follows Michelle, an orphaned teenager played by Millie Bobby Brown, who embarks on a journey to find her long-lost brother after a robot rebellion.
She is joined by Keats, a low-rent smuggler portrayed by Chris Pratt, and his robot sidekick Herman, voiced by Anthony Mackie. The film explores themes of power struggles between tech moguls and scientists, with robots living on the fringes of society.
The Ending of “The Electric State” Explained
The ending of “The Electric State” revolves around Michelle’s quest and her interactions with the robots and humans in this alternate world. Without giving away too many spoilers, the film concludes with a twist that explores the themes of rebellion and societal change.
The Final Confrontation: Michelle’s Sacrifice
In the climactic scenes, Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown) infiltrates Sentre HQ to rescue her brother Christopher, whose brain powers the entire neurocaster system—a VR network enslaving humanity.
Christopher reveals that his life is symbiotically tied to the Sentre system: if he dies, the neurocaster network and all connected drones will shut down.
Despite her initial resistance, Michelle realizes that disconnecting Christopher is the only way to free humanity from its technological addiction and stop Ethan Skate’s (the antagonist) plans for global control.
With a heavy heart, Michelle pulls the plug on Christopher’s life support. This act not only shuts down the Sentre system but also disables all drones and neurocasters, liberating humans from their dependence on this destructive technology.
The scene is emotionally charged as Michelle watches her brother’s heartbeat fade away, knowing she has saved the world at the cost of her loss.
The Last Shot: Is Christopher Still Alive?
The film ends with a glimmer of hope. After Christopher’s physical death, Cosmo—the robot he used to communicate with Michelle—reactivates. This suggests two possibilities:
- Cosmo has become an ordinary robot, severed from Christopher’s consciousness.
- A part of Christopher’s mind or essence may still exist within Cosmo, hinting at a potential reunion between Michelle and her brother in some form.
This ambiguous ending leaves room for interpretation and sets up a possible sequel. It aligns with earlier hints about Christopher’s extraordinary intelligence, which might have enabled him to preserve his consciousness even after death.
Ethan Skate’s Downfall
With Sentre destroyed and its drones grounded, Ethan Skate (played by Giancarlo Esposito) is exposed for his unethical experiments on Christopher. He is arrested for his crimes, ensuring he can no longer exploit technology for personal gain.
This resolution provides a satisfying conclusion to Skate’s arc while reinforcing the film’s critique of unchecked technological ambition.
Is “The Electric State” Worth Watching?
Despite its promising premise and star-studded cast, “The Electric State” has received overwhelmingly negative reviews from critics. With a dismal score of around 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have labeled it a “monumental disaster” and “dumb, unfunny.”
However, fans of retro-futuristic settings and those interested in the Russo brothers’ work might still find some enjoyment. Though it may not appeal to everyone, the film features whimsical contraptions and a unique blend of humor and action.
Conclusion: Is “The Electric State” a Flop?
While “The Electric State” has been panned by critics, its high budget and lackluster reviews raise questions about Netflix’s investment strategy.
The film’s poor reception might be a cautionary tale for streaming platforms about the risks of high-budget productions.
However, for fans of sci-fi and those interested in unique storytelling, “The Electric State” might still offer some entertainment value, even if it doesn’t live up to its potential.
Future of Netflix’s Expensive Productions
The success or failure of “The Electric State” will likely influence Netflix’s approach to future big-budget projects. With the streaming landscape becoming increasingly competitive, platforms must carefully balance investment with audience demand and critical acclaim.
Whether “The Electric State” will recoup its costs remains to be seen, but it certainly marks a significant moment in Netflix’s production history.
About The Electric State
The Electric State (2025) is a sci-fi action-adventure film directed by the Russo brothers, based on Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel. Set in an alternate 1990s, it follows Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown) as she searches for her brother Christopher, believed dead after a war between humans and robots.
Teaming with ex-soldier Keats (Chris Pratt) and sentient robot Herman, she uncovers a dark conspiracy involving Sentre, a corporation exploiting Christopher’s genius to control drone technology.
The film explores themes of loss, corporate greed, and humanity, ending with Michelle freeing Christopher from his virtual prison, dismantling Sentre’s control, and hinting at his lingering consciousness.
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