
Netflix’s $320 Million Flop: A Cautionary Tale of Bloated Budgets and Overexposure
Today marks the arrival of The Electric State on Netflix, a movie that has been shrouded in mystery ahead of its release. With a reported budget of a staggering $320 million, it is one of the most expensive movies ever made. But, unfortunately for Netflix, this cinematic abomination has earned a paltry 19% score on Rotten Tomatoes from dozens of critics.
The film’s disastrous critical reception is not the only red flag here. The Electric State stars an impressive lineup of talent, including Chris Pratt, Millie Bobby Brown, and Woody Harrelson, among many others. However, it seems that their combined star power was not enough to salvage this sinking ship.
So, what happened? How did a movie with such a large budget and all-star cast manage to fail so spectacularly?
One major issue is likely the film’s over-reliance on CGI. While excessive special effects are common in superhero films and Star Wars movies, few Netflix productions have attempted to match this level of visual spectacle. Even then, it’s unlikely that the graphic novel source material would require such an astronomical budget.
Another problem may be the salaries of the Russo Brothers, who directed The Electric State, as well as the numerous A-list actors involved in the project. It is no secret that these individuals are not cheap, and their combined compensation likely blew a massive hole in the production’s budget.
While it’s possible that audiences will find some value in this movie, critics have largely panned the film. Even fans of the source material are disappointed with the final product, citing an aesthetic that differs significantly from the original graphic novel.
Given its abysmal critical reception, it is difficult to imagine The Electric State performing well at the box office or driving significant new subscriptions to Netflix. Unless viewers somehow surprise us and adoringly receive this movie, there seems little chance of recouping the staggering $320 million investment.
In conclusion, The Electric State serves as a cautionary tale for any would-be producers or studios looking to invest in massive projects with equally massive price tags.