The Grid Unplugged movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: THE GRID UNPLUGGED

This alarming documentary releases in October 2026.

Saturday, October 3 at 11:45AM at East Hampton Regal UA

Sunday, October 4 at 5:00PM at Sag Harbor Cinema

RATING: Not Rated (contains disturbing footage of natural disasters, wildfires, and discussions of infrastructure collapse)

LENGTH: 1 hour 16 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A-

Featured Product About This Movie:

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IN A NUTSHELL:

Executive produced by long-time environmental advocate Ed Begley Jr. and directed by filmmaker Rick Cutter, The Grid Unplugged is a powerful, eye-opening documentary feature. The film takes a deep dive into what happens when the massive electrical grid powering modern society begins to fail under extreme stress. Using California’s devastating wildfires as a starting point, the film explores the escalating strain placed on global energy grids by rising demands, including massive AI data centers, and offers an insightful look at the urgent need to modernize our infrastructure before another disaster strikes.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Real-world footage of destructive wildfires, structural damage, and emergency situations that may unsettle younger or sensitive viewers.
Heavy focus on global issues, technology, energy policy, and environmental infrastructure that will appeal mainly to older kids, teens, and adults.
Clean content with no foul language, explicit content, or graphic violence.

THEMES:

Environmental responsibility and infrastructure modernization
Technological expansion vs. energy resource sustainability
Human resilience, innovation, and proactive solutions
Preparedness and global stewardship

THINGS I LIKED:

Executive producer Ed Begley Jr. brings a grounded and passionate voice to the project.
Features insightful interviews with leading energy experts, policymakers, and green-tech innovators.
Highlights the modern, hidden challenge of AI data centers and their incredible draw on worldwide power grids.
Excellent balance between warning us of potential risks and showcasing genuinely promising solutions for a resilient future.
Concise 76-minute runtime that keeps the conversation moving briskly without bogged-down padding.
There is a lot of conversation and footage about the Paradise fire in California. I actually have friends who lived through that crazy, devastating fire!
EVs are all the rage now, so I found it interesting to learn about some of their problems and possibilities.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The sobering reality of grid failure and wildfire destruction can feel a bit overwhelming at times.
Because it covers complex technological and policy topics in a short time frame, viewers may wish certain expert interviews were expanded.
I wanted more solutions that the everyday person could take action on after watching the film.
Data Centers are currently in the news with confusing controversy. They were mentioned in this film, but I would like to have learned more about them.
There is a lot of talk of global warming and climate change. Those who laugh at those terms might be annoyed by this film.

FUNNY LINES:

“We’re running supercomputers on an electrical grid held together by digital duct tape and good intentions.”

INTERESTING LINES:

“Humanity can build a more resilient and sustainable energy future faster than we are destroying it.”
“If we don’t do the right thing now, there are very serious problems that our children and grandchildren will have to face.” – CSPAN speaker