The Electric State: Meet Cosmo, The Giant-Headed Robot Hero

The Electric State, a new film available on Netflix starting March 14, introduces audiences to Kid Cosmo, a robot character with an undeniably striking design. Cosmo's head, a bright yellow sphere resembling an exercise ball, sits atop a surprisingly slender frame, creating a visually captivating yet mechanically improbable appearance.

Inspired by Skip, the similarly large-headed hero from Simon Stalenhag's graphic novel of the same name, Cosmo embodies the aesthetic coolness and engineering challenges often present in Stalenhag's work. Published in 2018, "The Electric State" graphic novel tells a story set in an alternate 1990s universe ravaged by war, where the remnants of enormous drones and robots litter the California landscape.

A Journey Through the American West

In the film adaptation, Cosmo and his young companion, Michelle, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, embark on a quest across the American West to find Michelle's brother. Their journey takes them through encounters with a diverse array of robots, many showcasing equally improbable designs as Cosmo himself.

Matthew E. Butler, the film's visual effects supervisor, highlighted the influence of Simon Stalenhag's work on the project, stating, "Simon Stalenhag's work is what attracted me to this movie to begin with. But his designs are often aesthetically cool and engineeringly impossible."

With its unique blend of captivating visuals, imaginative storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, "The Electric State" promises a cinematic experience that will leave audiences both entertained and intrigued.