The Electric State, Netflix’s $300 million live-action sci-fi adventure film, marks a departure from its graphic novel source material. Director Joe Russo explains that the adaptation was made to reach a younger audience, rather than staying true to the original tone of Simon Stålenhag’s dystopian novel.
According to the Russos, their goal was to make the story more relatable and impactful for a younger generation immersed in technology. They aimed to convey themes about technology addiction and humanity’s disconnection due to its implementation in daily life. The film tackles these issues through Millie Bobby Brown’s character Michelle, who embarks on a post-apocalyptic journey to find her missing brother.
In contrast to the original book, The Electric State has shifted its tone to be more accessible to a broader audience. Anthony Russo notes that this change was made to highlight both the positive and negative aspects of technology in our lives. He cites examples from the film, such as Keats’ genuine relationship with his robot Herman and Michelle’s use of technology to liberate her brother.
The visual effects were a creative challenge, requiring a delicate balance between practical and digital elements. Anthony Russo praises the talented motion capture actors who played the robots, stating that they brought depth and dimension to their characters.
The Russos believe that film can be a powerful form of human connection, bridging gaps between people across different generations. They hope that The Electric State will provide a common experience for viewers to share and connect with others through emotion or intellectual ideas.
Source: https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/building-the-electric-state-inside-the-minds-of-the-russo-brothers