The electro-funk song was written and produced by Timberlake, Timbaland, and Danja, with additional songwriting from James Fauntleroy and Larrance Dopson.

[1] Its music video was released on same day, which is set at a futuristic technology conference and shows Timberlake staging a proof-of-concept demo for a robot.

[10] The track opens with guitar licks, and it morphs into a "sleekly" industrial neo-funk number, complete with synth and a "snaking" bassline.

[12] As noted by Rolling Stone's Elias Leight, Timberlake keeps his voice in the middle of mix, "so the singer and the music are equal partners.

Beginning with some bombastic guitar rock, it transmogrifies into a beautifully dark, undulating funk track underpinned by a whiplash bass womp".

"[8] In XXL, C. Vernon Coleman II stated the production provides a "fitting soundscape for the single, as they deploy out of this world synths with pulsating 808s.

"[16] In NME, Larry Barleet reacted positively, stating "Timberlake pulls it off," and adding "what's really brilliant about 'Filthy' is that it's proof that JT isn't done with innovating.

"[20] Chris Willman of Variety thought the single and visuals in the context of the album may represent Timberlake's former self "albeit one who's clearly still capable of coming to the phone, still getting his sexy-back kicks in before the muse draws him into a more reflective forest.

"[14] In Billboard, Katie Atkinson ranked it 11 among all Timberlake's singles, and felt "the funky Timbaland beat and tongue-in-cheek lyrics were a welcome, loose surprise.

"[22] Bryan Rolli of The Daily Dot said the song "sounds right at home next to other JT smash hits such as "Suit & Tie" and "SexyBack," while the singer "delivers a sensual, understated vocal performance.

[30] As a character inspired by Steve Jobs, Timberlake takes the stage at the Pan-Asian Deep Learning Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in 2028 and debuts the robot.

[16] As the video progresses, the robot performs more elaborate and erotic dance moves with the dancers, being rewarded with an enthusiastic ovation from the previously expressionless audience.