Why Netflix’s $320 Million ‘The Electric State’ Is Winning Hearts Despite Divisive Reviews

Netflix has recently released The Electric State, a big-budget film featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt. At an estimated cost of $320 million, it stands as one of the most expensive movies ever made. Critics have not held back in their reviews, some calling it a "turgid eyesore" and "top-dollar tedium." Others described it as "slick but dismally soulless." Despite this, the movie quickly climbed to the top of Netflix’s charts after its release.

The film has a low Rotten Tomatoes score of 15%, which is disheartening for a project of its scale. Critics like Ian Sandwell from Digital Spy noted that while the action is decent and the visual effects are impressive, the story felt generic. He expressed the view that, given the rise of streaming, audience reception might not be as influenced by critiques as it once was.

The movie’s setting is a unique twist on 1990s America, where a war has broken out between humans and intelligent robots. In addition to Brown and Pratt, the film features notable actors such as Ke Huy Quan and Stanley Tucci, with voices by Woody Harrelson and Brian Cox. The Russo brothers, who have previously directed major hits within the Marvel universe, were behind the camera for this project. Critics have pointed out that the adaptation strays from the original graphic novel’s exploration of technological consumerism.

A recent survey by Pew Research indicates that about 70% of streaming service users tend to gravitate towards familiar genres, which could account for The Electric State‘s popularity despite poor reviews. It seems that star power and flashy effects can draw audiences in.

While some may argue that the high budget doesn’t translate to quality, the film fits within Netflix’s broader trend of producing blockbuster-style movies that garner massive viewership even amidst poor reviews. For instance, Red Notice, another film with questionable critical reception, attracted 231 million views, suggesting that audience enjoyment can differ significantly from critic opinions.

In today’s streaming landscape, films like The Electric State serve as escapism. Viewers often seek entertainment that can be enjoyed while multitasking—something that Netflix seems to understand well. Critics argue that many of their recent releases are meant for casual viewing, taking advantage of a model where audiences watch while doing laundry or scrolling through their phones.

As the stance on critical reviews evolves with streaming trends, The Electric State might pave the way for future projects that prioritize broad appeal over critical acclaim. In the end, what really matters could simply be whether viewers find joy in the experience, even if it comes at a hefty production cost.

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