Anticipated Review of The Electric State

*The Electric State* is an upcoming sci-fi film based on the acclaimed 2018 graphic novel by Simon Stålenhag. While the movie is still in production (as of 2024), here’s a speculative review based on available details, the source material, and the creative team involved.

Anticipated Review of The Electric State

Premise & Setting 

Directed by the Russo Brothers (*Avengers: Endgame*, *The Gray Man*) and starring Millie Bobby Brown (*Stranger Things*), Chris Pratt (*Guardians of the Galaxy*), and Stanley Tucci, *The Electric State* is set in a dystopian, retro-futuristic America where advanced technology has led to societal collapse. The story follows a teenage girl (Brown) and a mysterious drifter (Pratt) as they journey through a war-torn landscape dominated by rogue drones, abandoned robots, and a sinister corporation exploiting neural-linked VR technology.  

The graphic novel’s hauntingly beautiful artwork suggests a film that blends *Blade Runner*-esque cyberpunk with *Stranger Things*-style 80s/90s nostalgia, but with a darker, more melancholic tone.  

Strengths (Expected)

1. Visual Potential – Simon Stålenhag’s original art is breathtaking, mixing futuristic tech with decaying Americana. If the film captures even half of that aesthetic, it could be visually stunning.  

2. Cast & Performances – Millie Bobby Brown excels in sci-fi/horror roles, and Chris Pratt’s casting as a morally ambiguous wanderer could be intriguing. Stanley Tucci is always a standout.  

3. Russo Brothers’ Direction – While known for blockbusters, their work on *Captain America: The Winter Soldier* proves they can balance action with deeper themes.  

4. Emotional Core – The novel’s story is a melancholic road trip about loss and connection, which could give the film a strong emotional anchor.  

Potential Weaknesses

1. Over-reliance on CGI – The world is packed with robots and drones, so if the effects feel weightless or artificial, it could break immersion.  

2. Pacing & Tone – The novel is slow and atmospheric; if the film leans too much into action (a Russo Brothers trademark), it might lose the source material’s soul.  

3. Chris Pratt’s Casting – While talented, his usual charm might clash with the story’s grim tone unless he delivers a grittier performance.  

Comparison to Similar Films

• - Love and Monsters (post-apocalyptic road trip with heart)  
• - Annihilation (dreamy sci-fi horror)  
• - Blade Runner 2049 (visually rich dystopia)  

Final Verdict (Prediction) 

*The Electric State* could be a visually stunning, emotionally gripping sci-fi epic. However, there’s a risk it might prioritize spectacle over substance. Given the talent involved, it has the potential to be one of the standout sci-fi films of its release year—if it sticks close to the novel’s eerie, thought-provoking spirit.  

Rating (Expectation): ★★★★☆ (4/5 – cautiously optimistic)