Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Millie Bobby Brown and the rise of cinema’s first ‘stream queen’ with 'The Electric State'

Millie Bobby Brown’s rise as Netflix’s ‘Stream Queen’ is a reflection of the current state of the film industry

Millie Bobby Brown

Millie Bobby Brown’s rise as Netflix’s ‘Stream Queen’ is a reflection of the current state of the film industry

Getty images

At just 21 years old, Millie Bobby Brown has already secured her place as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. The star of Stranger Things, who first captivated audiences with her portrayal of Eleven, now finds herself at the forefront of Netflix’s most high-profile projects. However, her latest role in The Electric State, a mindbogglingly expensive Netflix sci-fi film, has sparked mixed reactions and raised questions about her trajectory as a ‘Stream Queen’ – a title that comes with both acclaim and criticism.

The Electric State, in which Brown stars alongside Chris Pratt, has not been warmly received by critics. Described by The Independent's Clarisse Loughrey as “punishingly obvious and completely incoherent,” the film’s one-star reviews have been echoed by many others. The movie, which centres around two hollow characters moving aimlessly through a barren plot, seems to be yet another forgettable venture in Brown’s recent streak of Netflix productions.


In addition to The Electric State, Brown has produced and starred in the Enola Holmes franchise and the fantasy thriller Damsel. These films, though successful in viewership numbers, have failed to showcase her potential as a heavyweight actor. Unlike some of her contemporaries – such as Jenna Ortega from Wednesday or Jonathan Bailey from Bridgerton – who have seamlessly transitioned into theatrically released films, Brown has remained in the orbit of straight-to-streaming content, with few big-screen ventures outside of the Godzilla blockbusters.

The 'Stream Queen' phenomenon

While Brown’s Netflix films may not be critical darlings, they are undeniably popular. With a massive social media following, including 64 million Instagram followers, Brown has cultivated a unique kind of stardom. Damsel, despite its lukewarm reception, garnered 143 million views, making it one of the most-watched films of the year. This viewership is a testament to her ability to draw in audiences, even if the films themselves lack artistic depth.

In a world where streaming services like Netflix have blurred the lines between TV and cinema, Brown has become the face of this new era. Historically, actors were confined to either television or film, and crossing between the two was a rare achievement. However, with the advent of streaming, the distinction has become less clear, and the notion of a ‘streaming actor’ has emerged – a role Brown seems to have embraced.

There are comparisons to be drawn between Brown and her The Electric State co-star, Chris Pratt. Pratt, who rose to fame with his role in Parks and Recreation, has since starred in big-budget blockbusters such as Jurassic World and Guardians of the Galaxy. However, he has also made several direct-to-streaming films like The Tomorrow War, which have garnered a reputation for being underwhelming and lacking substance. Both actors seem drawn to projects with high budgets but little artistic merit – content that is easily consumed but quickly forgotten.

Brown’s relationship with cinema

One aspect of Brown’s career that sets her apart from other young actors is her apparent indifference towards cinema as an art form. In an interview with The Sun, she admitted to rarely watching movies and finding it difficult to engage with them. “I don’t watch movies. People say, ‘You should definitely watch this movie; it would change your life.’ And I’m like, ‘How long do I have to sit there for?’” she said. This attitude stands in contrast to her contemporaries, who often express deep passion for cinema and view it as a craft to be honed and explored.

Brown’s disinterest in film may explain why she has become such a perfect fit for Netflix. The streaming giant has been criticised for prioritising quantity over quality, producing content that is designed to be consumed passively. In many cases, Netflix films cater to an audience that isn’t fully engaged – viewers who are often multitasking or watching with divided attention. It seems fitting that Brown, who herself admits to struggling with the patience to watch films, has become the poster child for a platform that treats cinema more like disposable content than an art form.

More For You

Ibrahim Ali Khan’s fiery DM to Pakistani critic over ‘Nadaaniyan’ sparks social media uproar

Ibrahim Ali Khan’s fiery DM to Pakistani critic goes viral

Instagram/iakpataudi

Ibrahim Ali Khan’s fiery DM to Pakistani critic over ‘Nadaaniyan’ sparks social media uproar

Ibrahim Ali Khan has found himself at the centre of an online storm following his message to Pakistani film critic Tamur Iqbal. The critic had shared his blunt review of Ibrahim’s debut film Nadaaniyan, mocking not only the film but also taking a personal swipe at Ibrahim’s appearance. What followed was an angry message from the young actor that has since gone viral.

Tamur Iqbal had posted a story on Instagram, criticising Nadaaniyan for its performances and taking a dig at Ibrahim’s “huge nose.” While harsh reviews are common in the world of cinema, Ibrahim’s alleged reaction caught many by surprise. In a screenshot Tamur later shared publicly, Ibrahim appears to lash out, calling the critic “an ugly piece of trash” and threatening to “leave you uglier” if they crossed paths in person.

Keep ReadingShow less
Priyanka Chopra

Priyanka’s involvement in SS Rajamouli’s next film has been the talk of the town

Getty images

Priyanka Chopra celebrates Holi on the sets of SS Rajamouli’s film 'SSMB29', shares images

Priyanka Chopra is back in India to celebrate one of the country’s most beloved festivals, Holi, and this time, she is combining work and festivity on the sets of her upcoming project with acclaimed filmmaker SS Rajamouli. The Bollywood star, who is known for her international fame and achievements, gave fans a sneak peek into her colourful Holi celebrations, sharing her joy and excitement about being part of such a massive project.

Priyanka Chopra’s Holi celebration on set

Taking to Instagram, Priyanka shared a few photos of her Holi celebrations on the sets of Rajamouli’s upcoming film. The images depicted her in a casual and light-hearted mood, her cheeks covered in vibrant hues of pink and orange, clearly embracing the spirit of the festival. She captioned the post, “It's a working Holi for us. Here's wishing everyone celebrating a very Happy Holi full of laughter and togetherness with your loved ones.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Mohanlal

Mohanlal and Prithviraj’s L2: Empuraan Faces Uncertainty After Lyca Productions Exit

Instagram/empuraanmovie

Lyca Productions' sudden exit sparks uncertainty over Mohanlal’s ‘L2: Empuraan’ release

With just days left for its planned release on March 27, the big-budget Malayalam sequel L2: Empuraan finds itself in an uncertain spot. So, what exactly is happening? The UK-based production house Lyca Productions, originally a co-producer of the film, is reportedly facing serious financial trouble, and this is threatening to derail the project’s smooth release.

MohanlalMohanlal and Prithviraj’s L2: Empuraan Faces Uncertainty After Lyca Productions Exit Instagram/empuraanmovie

Keep ReadingShow less
Charli XCX

Pop star Charli XCX makes a down-to-earth gesture outside Saint Laurent’s show in Paris

Getty Images

Charli XCX caught on video lighting a fan’s cigarette during Paris Fashion Week

Charli XCX found herself going viral yet again this week, not for a performance or a red-carpet look, but for something much simpler. While leaving what seemed to be a high-end hotel in Paris, the pop star casually lit a fan’s cigarette, an unexpected moment that has since sparked plenty of chatter online.

The singer was dressed in a sheer Saint Laurent gown from their Spring/Summer 2025 collection, paired with a sleek leather jacket, on her way to the fashion house’s Paris Fashion Week show. Fans were waiting outside, hoping to catch a glimpse of her. As Charli walked out, one fan asked if she had a lighter. Without hesitation, she pulled one out and lit the cigarette herself. Before heading off, she smiled and said, “Enjoy.”

Keep ReadingShow less