Despite controlling its spending somewhat, Netflix remains committed to producing massive blockbuster films that occasionally transcend the small screen. The Russo brothers’ The Electrical Life, an adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 illustrated novel of the same name, explores subsequent themes.
While the reception of the Russos’ “The Gray Man” was lukewarm among critics, the film still managed a significant viewership for Netflix, which has maintained its enthusiasm for working with the Marvel Studios veterans. Despite no changes being made, it is likely that this will be their last Netflix-backed film before returning to the MCU to tackle both Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars.
Since the first-look images were unveiled, numerous viewers have taken issue with the movie’s departure from the novel’s darker, more despondent dystopian atmosphere, instead opting for a more familiar and adventurous tone that also extends to the visuals. While this primary trailer does make an effort to promote the film, it still falls short of capturing the essence of Stålenhag’s work in my opinion. You may view it at:
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In this official synopsis from Netflix, the aftermath of a robotic rebellion serves as the backdrop to an alternate 1990s setting in The Electrical State. A teenage orphan embarks on a perilous journey across the American West, accompanied by a cartoon-inspired robot and a seasoned smuggler, his loyal sidekick, in search of her missing younger brother.
The reported funds sit at an astonishing $320 million, which provides a glimpse into the impressive scale of the endeavor. The film is spearheaded by a talented ensemble cast, including the versatile Millie Bobby Brown, alongside Chris Pratt, Ke Huy Quan, Jason Alexander, and the impressive Woody Norman, with memorable turns from Giancarlo Esposito and the always-reliable Stanley Tucci. Notably, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Hank Azaria, Colman Domingo, and Alan Tudyk lend their distinctive voices to the project.
Does the film’s grand scale and visual spectacle justify its massive budget and commercial expectations? It seems unlikely that the proposed solutions would prove favorable. Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, who teamed up with the Russos once more for this endeavor, have a proven track record that bodes well for what to realistically expect from Avengers: Doomsday, assuming the key factor in their success remains the guidance of pre-Section 4 Kevin Feige. Irrespective of the vastly disparate genres they represented, the parallel success of each film – Cherry and The Grey Man – seemed to validate this notion.
Regardless of the reservations, many Netflix subscribers are likely to take a chance with this release when it lands on the platform on March 14, 2025. While it may initially appear to be a harmless distraction, it’s possible that it will ultimately fall short of leaving a lasting impression.
