Netflix has released the first trailer for The Electric State, a post-apocalyptic road movie from Marvel (and community) mainstays the Russo brothers. The film adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s 2018 graphic novel is set in a retro-futuristic version of the ’90s in the wake of the Robot Rebellion. It tells the story of an orphaned teenager, Michelle (Millie Bobby Brown), who adventures across the American West with a smuggler (a mustachioed Chris Pratt) and a pair of robots in search of her brother.
The look of the film is heavily inspired by Stålenhag’s gorgeous artwork, right down to the oversized VR helmet. The robots, especially the one that accompanies Michelle, have a comic book-inspired aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in Fallout. The large teddy bear robot appears to be part of a parade of machines, while the heroes appear to be facing off against a giant robot that looks a bit like Sonic the Hedgehog.
On the other hand, the very idea of “playing a popular song in slow motion in a movie trailer” might have been surpassed by a version of Oasis’ “Champagne Supernova” that was played over this. Of course, it’s perfect for the 90’s setting, but I couldn’t help but laugh the moment I realized it.
This movie has an incredible cast. In addition to Brown and Pratt, the cast includes Kee Hui Quan, Jason Alexander, Woody Harrelson, Anthony Mackie, Brian Cox, Jenny Slate, Giancarlo Esposito, and Stanley Tucci. “The Electric State” comes to Netflix on March 14th.
