"Uglies," Netflix's latest foray into the young-adult dystopian genre, is based on Scott Westerfeld's 2005 novel, a staple of early 2000s YA bookshelves. The premise is tantalizingly relevant, especially in an era where social media amplifies our obsession with appearance. Unfortunately, despite its promise, the movie doesn't quite live up to the transformative potential of its source material.
The film sets up a fascinating world where ugliness is socially unacceptable, and everyone is mandated to undergo an operation at sixteen to transform into a "Pretty" and enter a glitzy, carefree city. Our protagonist, Tally (Joey King), is eagerly awaiting her transformation until her rebellious friend Shay (Brianne Tju) introduces her to a group of renegades called "The Smoke," who challenge this societal norm. Soon, Tally finds herself torn between two worlds, uncovering the dark underbelly of a society obsessed with perfection.
Let's start with the positives. The movie is visually arresting, especially when it contrasts the grim, concrete jungle of the "Ugly" world with the vibrant and sleek aesthetics of the "Pretty" society. There’s a sense of wonder as Tally sneaks into the City, with shiny exteriors, lavish parties, and impeccably polished residents. Director McG brings some flair to these sequences, echoing the superficial glamour that the story critiques. Laverne Cox, as the cold and commanding Dr. Cable, adds a layer of gravitas, her stern demeanor and manipulative tactics highlighting the sinister side of the seemingly perfect world.
On the performance front, Joey King delivers a relatable and earnest portrayal of Tally, a girl caught between loyalty to her friends and her desire to fit in. She brings an emotional depth to Tally’s inner conflict, especially as she grapples with the realization that beauty might come at a cost. Brianne Tju as Shay provides a rebellious counterpoint, and their chemistry grounds much of the film’s early momentum.
However, once you peel back the shiny surface, "Uglies" starts to falter. For one, the movie's pacing is uneven. The first half sets up the stakes well, but the narrative starts to drag once Tally infiltrates the Smoke, a rebellion group that lives free from the pressures of perfection. Despite the dystopian stakes, the tension doesn’t escalate satisfactorily. The sense of danger feels muted, with much of the action sequences failing to pack a punch. While the book spent considerable time building up the psychological implications of living in a looks-obsessed world, the movie glosses over these complexities.
The transformation from Ugly to Pretty is also underwhelming. There’s little distinction between the Uglies and Pretties in terms of physical appearance, which dilutes the movie’s core message. For a film that revolves around society’s obsession with looks, this lack of visual contrast feels like a missed opportunity. Most of the "Uglies" cast, including Tally's friend Peris, are already Hollywood attractive, which blurs the line between the two social classes in a way that diminishes the thematic weight of the story.
Furthermore, the movie struggles to differentiate itself from other YA dystopian films. The tropes—the authoritarian government, rebellious teens, and the "secret society" of outsiders—feel overdone, reminiscent of "The Hunger Games" or "Divergent." While "Uglies" predated those series, the adaptation arrives too late to feel fresh, and there’s little in McG's direction that elevates the material beyond a by-the-numbers narrative.
Another weak point is the soundtrack, which occasionally distracts from the story. A Lana Del Rey-esque cover of "Such Great Heights" during a pivotal moment feels out of place, and at times, the music choices detract from the emotional impact.
On the flip side, the film does offer some intriguing social commentary. "Uglies" taps into today’s anxieties around appearance, especially in the age of Instagram filters and body modification. The idea of "prettifying" oneself to meet societal standards is a powerful metaphor, and the film briefly touches on the psychological damage of living in such a world. Tally’s journey of self-discovery, while predictable, is still relevant, particularly for younger viewers grappling with the pressures of beauty standards today.
In the end, "Uglies" is a mixed bag. There are moments where it shines—visually and thematically—but it never fully capitalizes on the rich world and timely message that the source material offers. It’s an entertaining watch if you're in the mood for a YA dystopia, but it won’t leave a lasting impression. With some stronger writing, a better-paced plot, and more daring visual choices, this adaptation could have been the next big YA hit. Instead, it falls into the pile of Netflix's many middle-tier offerings.
For die-hard fans of the book or YA dystopia genre, it’s worth a look, but if you’re hoping for the next cultural phenomenon, this one might not make the cut.
Final Score- [5.5/10]
Reviewed by - Anjali Sharma
Follow @AnjaliS54769166 on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times