“The Electric State” is set to be one of the most anticipated sci-fi films of 2024. Directed by the acclaimed Russo Brothers, this adaptation of Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel promises a visually stunning and narratively compelling journey. Starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, the film explores a dystopian America, blending high-tech elements with human drama.
“The Electric State” is an eagerly awaited science fiction film directed by the acclaimed Russo Brothers, Anthony and Joe Russo. Adapted from Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel of the same name, the film promises to deliver a visually stunning and narratively compelling experience. Here’s an expanded look at the author, the story, and what to expect from this highly anticipated movie.
Who is Simon Stålenhag?
Background:
- Simon Stålenhag is a renowned Swedish artist, musician, and author, celebrated for his unique and evocative blend of retro-futuristic art and storytelling.
- Born in 1984, Stålenhag grew up in the rural outskirts of Stockholm, Sweden, where his childhood experiences in this environment deeply influenced his artistic style.
- His works are characterized by serene Scandinavian landscapes juxtaposed with elements of futuristic technology and dystopian decay.
Artistic Style and Influence
Distinctive Visual Style:
- Stålenhag’s art merges the ordinary with the extraordinary, typically featuring everyday rural settings like forests, fields, and small towns, combined with surreal and often eerie technological elements such as robots, hovercrafts, and abandoned machinery.
- This juxtaposition creates a sense of nostalgia and unease, inviting viewers to ponder the intersection of humanity and technology.
Influence and Themes:
- His work draws heavily on his personal experiences and the Scandinavian landscape, capturing the beauty and isolation of rural life while exploring themes of technological advancement and its impact on society.
- Stålenhag’s art evokes a sense of wonder and melancholy, reflecting both the potential and the pitfalls of technological progress.
Major Works
International Recognition:
- Stålenhag first gained international recognition with his online series of paintings depicting an alternate history Sweden where futuristic technology is seamlessly integrated into everyday life. These artworks were later compiled into his first book, “Tales from the Loop” (2014).
- “Tales from the Loop” combines Stålenhag’s stunning visuals with short stories, creating a richly immersive narrative experience.
Subsequent Publications:
- Following the success of “Tales from the Loop,” Stålenhag published “Things from the Flood” (2016), a sequel continuing to explore themes of technology and human experience.
- His subsequent work, “The Electric State” (2018), is his first book set outside Sweden, presenting an alternate version of the 1990s United States.
The Story of “The Electric State”
Plot Overview:
- “The Electric State” is set in an alternate version of the 1990s, a time when the United States is recovering from a civil war between humans and robots.
- The story follows a teenage girl named Michelle, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, who embarks on a journey across the dystopian American West in search of her missing brother.
- Accompanied by a mysterious robot sent by her brother, Michelle navigates a world filled with remnants of high-tech consumerism and the eerie silence of post-war devastation.
The Film Adaptation: A Russo Brothers Project
Directorial Vision:
- Anthony and Joe Russo, known for their significant contributions to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with blockbuster hits such as “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Avengers: Endgame,” are directing “The Electric State.”
- The Russo Brothers have established themselves as versatile filmmakers, capable of handling both large-scale action sequences and intimate character-driven stories.
Acquisition and Adaptation:
- The brothers acquired the rights to adapt Simon Stålenhag’s illustrated novel in 2017, demonstrating their early enthusiasm for the project.
- Initially, Andy Muschietti was set to direct, but scheduling conflicts led the Russo Brothers to take on the directorial role themselves.
- They bring their extensive experience in creating visually stunning and emotionally resonant films to “The Electric State,” promising a faithful yet expansive adaptation of Stålenhag’s work.
The Creative Team
Production and Writing:
- With their production company, AGBO, the Russos are producing the film alongside Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely.
- Markus and McFeely, who have collaborated with the Russos on several MCU films, are responsible for writing the screenplay, ensuring a cohesive and compelling narrative.
Special Effects and Post-Production:
- The Russo Brothers are joined by a talented crew, many of whom they have previously collaborated with, including Michael Meinardus, the special effects supervisor from “The Gray Man,” overseeing the visual effects.
The Cast
Star-Studded Ensemble:
- Millie Bobby Brown stars as Michelle, the determined protagonist searching for her brother.
- Chris Pratt plays Keats, a smuggler who becomes Michelle’s companion.
- Brian Cox, Billy Bob Thornton, and Anthony Mackie lend their voices to various robot characters.
- Ke Huy Quan steps in to portray Dr. Amherst, a role initially intended for Michelle Yeoh.
- Giancarlo Esposito voices The Marshall, the film’s primary antagonist who controls a drone hunting Michelle and her robotic companion.
Production and Release
Filming and Challenges:
- Filming for “The Electric State” began in October 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia, and wrapped up by February 2023.
- The project faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the SAG-AFTRA strike, but it is now in post-production with a tentative release date set for 2024 on Netflix.
- The movie is expected to bring Stålenhag’s richly detailed world to life, blending live-action performances with cutting-edge special effects.
Expectations and Hype
Anticipation and Themes:
- Given the Russo Brothers’ track record and the film’s impressive cast, “The Electric State” is one of the most anticipated releases of 2024.
- The movie is expected to capture the essence of Stålenhag’s novel, with his evocative illustrations serving as its foundation and the narrative opening up to a broader audience.
- Exploring themes of loss, technology, and human resilience through the lens of a dystopian adventure, the film is set to be a significant addition to Netflix’s original movie lineup.
Conclusion:
- Whether you’re a fan of the original novel or a newcomer to Stålenhag’s work, “The Electric State” is one film you’re not going to want to miss!
Key Takeaway:
- “The Electric State” merges the Russo Brothers’ filmmaking prowess with Simon Stålenhag’s evocative storytelling, promising a visually and narratively rich sci-fi experience that explores profound themes of technology, loss, and resilience.
