Christopher Greene (Woody Norman), often referred to simply as Chris, is one of the most integral characters in Netflix‘s The Electric State.
His journey is one of tragedy, resilience, and sacrifice.
Chris’s arc is deeply interwoven with the themes of identity, autonomy, and the ethical implications of technological advancement.
His relationship with Michelle, Ethan, and the Neurocaster is central to the story’s emotional weight, making him not just a victim but also a symbol of the larger struggle against oppression.
Overview
Chris’s Origins and Role in the Story
Chris begins as an ordinary boy caught in extraordinary circumstances.
His life takes a drastic turn when he is forcibly integrated into the Sentre system, turning him into a human hub for the Neurocaster network.
As a result, his physical autonomy is stripped away, but his consciousness remains active, trapped within the vast machinery that powers the dystopian society.
The world sees him as an anomaly, neither fully human nor fully machine.
His existence becomes a moral and philosophical debate: is he still a person, or has he been reduced to a mere cog in the machine?
This question is what fuels much of the conflict surrounding his character, with different factions having opposing views on whether he should be saved or left as he is.
Relationship with Michelle
Michelle’s relationship with him is one of the story’s emotional anchors.
She sees him not as a machine or a lost cause, but as her brother, someone worth fighting for no matter the cost.
Unlike others who view him as either a weapon or a casualty, Michelle maintains her belief in his humanity.
Their connection is most poignantly explored in their final interaction.
Within the digital realm, he tells Michelle that for true change to occur, he must die.
He places his trust in her, knowing that she will make the right choice.
This moment encapsulates their bond—one built on unwavering faith and an understanding that goes beyond words.
Michelle’s reluctant yet resolute decision to pull the plug is a testament to their love, making his death not just a loss but also a victory for free will.
Cosmo the Robot
Since Michelle’s house was invaded by a robot, it was revealed that Cosmo the robot had Chris’s consciousness in him.
Cosmo is an integral part of this adventure.
Sentre continuously tried to capture him back and fought with the others until he was finally captured near Dr. Amherst’s home.
In the story’s final moments, a subtle yet thought-provoking detail is presented, the reflection of Cosmo the Robot in a puddle of water.
This ambiguous image raises the possibility that Chris’s consciousness has not entirely vanished but may have found a new host in Cosmo.
While Cosmo, as a cartoon character, was simply his favourite growing up, the robot Cosmo in the present narrative appears to be something more.
The implication that Chris’s essence has been transferred into this robotic form suggests a paradox.
While he may have been freed from the Sentre network, his struggle between humanity and artificiality might continue differently.
This raises questions about whether true liberation was achieved or if he has been placed into another type of existence, leaving his fate open to interpretation.
This idea introduces a fascinating layer of interpretation.
If Chris still exists within Cosmo, it suggests that his essence has been preserved in some form.
This could mean that while his physical body was lost, a part of him continues to persist, potentially influencing the future in unforeseen ways.
Thematically, this revelation ties into the broader question of what it means to be human.
If consciousness can be transferred or replicated, does that make the being in question truly the same person?
Or is it merely a shadow of who they once were?
The story leaves this question open-ended, allowing the audience to speculate whether Chris has truly found peace or if his struggle continues in a new form.
Ethan’s Significance
Ethan serves as both Chris’s captor and self-proclaimed saviour.
He sees Chris not as an individual but as a necessary component of his vision for a new world order.
Ethan’s ideology—one that promotes the erasure of suffering through technological control—stands in stark contrast to Chris’s inherent need for agency and human connection.
Ethan uses religious imagery to justify his actions, framing himself as the ‘father,’ Chris as the ‘son,’ and the Neurocaster as the ‘holy spirit.’
This analogy highlights the extent of his delusion, positioning himself as a messianic figure bringing salvation through submission.
For Chris, however, this ‘salvation’ is nothing more than enslavement.
Their dynamic is a battle of ideologies—one that ultimately ends when Michelle makes the painful choice to end Chris’s life.
In doing so, she shatters Ethan’s vision, proving that true peace cannot come at the cost of autonomy.
Thematic Importance
Chris represents the broader themes of the story, including:
- Autonomy vs. Control: His existence questions the ethical boundaries of technological advancement and whether progress should come at the cost of free will.
- Humanity Beyond the Physical Form: Even as part of the Sentre network, Chris retains his emotions, memories, and sense of self, proving that humanity is not solely defined by physicality.
- Sacrifice for the Greater Good: His willingness to die for the chance of a better world cements his role as a tragic hero.
Chris’s Role in the Final Battle
During the climactic confrontation, Chris’s physical presence remains unseen, yet he is at the heart of everything.
The revelation that the entire Sentre network is built upon his consciousness raises the stakes exponentially. If he is removed, the entire system collapses.
As Michelle and the Doctor’s PC infiltrate the system, Chris meets Michelle in the digital space, presenting her with the ultimate decision.
His final words reinforce his acceptance of his fate—he understands that he cannot be saved in the conventional sense, but through his sacrifice, the world has a chance at a new beginning.
His ‘death’ is portrayed symbolically as him peacefully falling asleep, reinforcing the idea that he is finally free.
