Actress Devyn Dalton’s Journey as Cosmo in “The Electric State”

E Monthly News Contributor

By: James Brown

In the much-anticipated film The Electric State, Devyn Dalton plays Cosmo, who resonates deeply with audiences due to his unique blend of childlike innocence and profound trauma. Devyn describes Cosmo as one of her favorite characters, highlighting the contrast between his youthful curiosity and the challenges he faces. To authentically portray Cosmo, she had to shed her adult perceptions and embrace a fresh perspective, making the experience both challenging and beautifully rewarding.

Working alongside the renowned Russo Brothers was a remarkable experience for Devyn. She appreciated their clear vision for the film while valuing the creative freedom they encouraged among the cast. The collaborative atmosphere, particularly within the movement troupe, was instrumental in bringing the robotic characters to life. According to Devyn, the leadership of the Russo Brothers fostered a spirit of teamwork that was essential to the film’s success.

Actress Devyn Dalton’s Journey as Cosmo in "The Electric State” — Photo Courtesy: AGBO & Skybound Entertainment

One of the standout moments for Devyn on set was the opportunity to recreate a cherished photo with Millie Bobby Brown, a co-star she had previously worked with, in 2013. Devyn had served as Millie’s stunt double in two earlier projects, “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland” and “Intruders.” Their shared journey over the years made filming “The Electric State” a special reunion, allowing them to spend considerable time together, particularly during emotionally charged scenes.

To prepare for her role as Cosmo, Devyn worked extensively with movement coach Terry Notary and the movement troupe. Her preparation involved thoroughly exploring the physicality required to embody a robot. Devyn focused on shedding her adult instincts to adopt a childlike perspective while simultaneously acknowledging Cosmo’s intelligence. The motion capture process was vital in translating her movements to the screen, as she had to relearn how to walk and move in a new robotic body.

The themes of “The Electric State” resonate deeply with Devyn, particularly the bond between Michelle and Cosmo. At the heart of the film is a story about love and the lengths people go to for family, reflecting Devyn’s values regarding human connection. Additionally, the film addresses the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence, an increasingly relevant topic in contemporary society.

The dynamic between Cosmo and Michelle begins with some tension but quickly develops into a powerful bond. Devyn believes that their journey is both sweet and impactful, and she anticipates that audiences will connect with the emotional depth of their relationship.

The film is noted for its distinctive visual style, inspired by the graphic novel on which it is based. Devyn found that the artwork significantly influenced her portrayal of Cosmo. The design of Cosmo as an older, clunky robot with tiny legs and a large head provided a foundation for exploring his movements. This physicality was essential to her performance, as it helped establish how Cosmo would interact with the world around him.

However, portraying a robot came with its challenges. Devyn struggled to embody a mechanical character while maintaining subtlety in her performance. Communicating through body language and limited facial expressions required precision, making this aspect of her role both demanding and rewarding.

Playing Cosmo profoundly impacted Devyn, particularly in her understanding of non-verbal communication. She learned how much can be conveyed through body language alone, enriching her skills as an actress. This experience deepened her appreciation for the nuances of performance, especially when portraying a character with limited verbal expression.

As audiences prepare for the film’s release, Devyn hopes they will find joy and escapism in “The Electric State.” She is eager for viewers to recognize the incredible work of motion capture actors, highlighting a real human behind each robot.

Looking ahead, Devyn remains open to exploring a variety of roles and genres that tell compelling stories. She is passionate about storytelling and excited to continue her acting journey.

While she cannot disclose much about Cosmo’s backstory, Devyn mentions that his journey involves learning to navigate his robot body, which adds depth and vulnerability to his character. One of her favorite scenes captures Cosmo’s childlike wonder as he adjusts to his new existence, beautifully showcasing the character’s essence.

As the release date approaches, Devyn expresses her excitement and pride in the project. She reflects on the immense effort and heart that the cast and crew poured into bringing “The Electric State” to life, and she can’t wait for audiences to experience the film and fall in love with Cosmo.