Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violence, peril, language in book-based sci-fi tale.
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The Electric State
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 14 parent reviews
Based on 19 kid reviews
Kids say it’s a mixed bag, with some finding it an engaging sci-fi adventure filled with emotional moments and stunning visuals, while others feel it's a disappointing addition to the genre, plagued by poor storytelling and mediocre performances. The movie's action sequences and themes of friendship resonate well, but its heavy use of profanity and intense robot violence may not be suitable for all younger viewers.
- emotional moments
- mixed reviews
- action sequences
- heavy profanity
- robot violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown) is the sole survivor of a car crash that she's told killed her brother Christopher (Woody Norman) and parents in THE ELECTRIC STATE. She's one of the few people around who isn't interested in zoning out with an omnipresent, VR-like neurotherapy helmet. The helmets were created by Ethan Skate (Stanley Tucci), a tech mogul credited with helping end a multiyear war between humans and robots, led by Mr. Peanut (voiced by Woody Harrelson). When a robot shows up at her house claiming that her brother is alive, Michelle embarks on a dangerous venture to find him. Along the way, she picks up soldier-turned-outlaw Keats (Chris Pratt) and his loyal bot, Herm (voiced by Anthony Mackie).
Is It Any Good?
There are some mixed messages in the larger significance intended by this film, not to mention a mishmash of film references and genres, but it's still an entertaining watch. The Electric State clocks in at a long 2 hours and 8 minutes, arguably more time than was needed for this story. Yet there's enough that's likable and intentionally universal about this rewritten world and its kind, drolly humorous characters to keep you involved. It might be ironic for a Netflix release to end with a speech about getting off our entertaining-ourselves-to-death, sedative-like screens and going outside to prioritize human contact. But it's not a bad idea.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the envisioned world of The Electric State. What did you think of the settings? Did they remind you of any other films you've watched?
What genre would you say this film falls into? Why?
How would you describe the main messages of this movie? Explain.
Do you think people lose touch with each other when they spend too much time on screens? How can you change that in your own life?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 14, 2025
- Cast : Millie Bobby Brown , Chris Pratt , Anthony Mackie
- Directors : Anthony Russo , Joe Russo
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : STEM , Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Friendship , Robots
- Run time : 128 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sci-fi violence/action, language and some thematic material
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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