Netflix's latest movie, "The Electric State", directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, is set to take audiences on a thrilling adventure in an alternate 1990s where sentient robots have existed for decades. With a reported budget of $320 million, the film's visual effects supervisor, Matthew E. Butler, had the daunting task of bringing to life hundreds of unique robots that are deliberately designed to be the antithesis of modern robots.

In an interview, Butler explained that the movie's robots, like Cosmo, were designed to be "unthreatening" and "cutesy", with a "giant head on a tiny neck", which is considered the "worst design for a robot". This design approach was inspired by Simon Stålenhag's illustrated novel of the same name, and Butler's team had to find a way to make these impractical designs look physically believable and real on screen.

To achieve this, Butler's team used a combination of traditional optical motion capture and a newer system using accelerometer-based suits. This allowed a troupe of seven motion capture performers to work with the live-action actors on location and on set, providing the basis for the animated robots. However, the process was far more complicated than simply transposing an actor's movements onto a robot body. Butler emphasized that the team had to consider the limitations of the robot's design, the directors' vision, and the voice actors' performances to create a cohesive and believable character.

The attention to detail and commitment to realism are evident in the film's robots, which are not just visually stunning but also have a sense of physicality and presence. Butler's team had to design and bring to life hundreds of unique robots, each with its own characteristics and movements. This required a tremendous amount of work, with Butler noting that "if you've got 100 different robots and they're all moving, they've got to be able to move, which means you've got to be able to rig them, so someone has to design them, someone has to paint them, someone has to animate them."

The end result is a testament to the team's dedication and creativity. "The Electric State" promises to be a visually stunning and thought-provoking film that explores the intersection of humanity and technology. With its unique robots and alternate 1990s setting, the movie is sure to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

As the film industry continues to push the boundaries of visual effects and storytelling, "The Electric State" is a shining example of what can be achieved with innovative thinking and cutting-edge technology. The movie's success will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the future of robotics and artificial intelligence in film, and we can't wait to see what other groundbreaking projects are in store.