Entertainment Blog #281 | Uglies [2024] : Beauty with a Dark Cost...

At its core, Uglies presents a thought-provoking reflection on society’s obsession with physical appearance and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of perfection. The movie’s plot, set in a future where being “pretty” is achieved through a mandatory surgery, resonates with real-world themes of social pressure, conformity, and the desire to fit in. The film delves into the consequences of altering our natural selves to fit into societal molds, a theme familiar in today’s world where people often grapple with beauty standards set by media and culture. The characters’ struggles and choices mirror the inner battles we face when deciding between personal freedom and the comfort of societal acceptance.

Uglies is an American science fiction drama film which was released on September 13, 2024, on Netflix. It was based on Scott Westerfeld’s novel of the same name. The cast is led by Joey King as the conflicted protagonist, Tally. Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, and Laverne Cox round out a strong ensemble, with Cox delivering a chilling performance as Dr. Cable, the overseer of the surgeries. The film’s development had a long journey, starting in 2006, with production finally taking place in Atlanta in late 2021. Joey King’s dedication as both an actress and executive producer is evident, as she captures the emotional depth of Tally’s transformation.

The story begins in a world where society has crumbled, and genetic modifications and surgeries are used to maintain order. Tally, on the verge of her 16th birthday, eagerly anticipates her procedure that will turn her from an "Ugly" to a "Pretty." Her best friend Peris undergoes the surgery first, but when Tally visits him, she finds his new appearance shocking, and even more disturbing is the change in his personality. The allure of becoming a Pretty starts to fade when she befriends Shay, a rebellious Ugly who introduces her to "The Smoke," a group living in nature and resisting the system.

As Tally is forced into a difficult position by Dr. Cable, she embarks on a mission to spy on The Smoke, where she meets their leader, David. The once-clear path to becoming a Pretty begins to blur as Tally uncovers unsettling truths about the surgery. The Pretties are not just altered in appearance; their minds are manipulated to ensure they conform and remain easily controlled by the government. This revelation forces Tally to question everything she once believed in, including the perfection she had been striving for.

In a thrilling climax, Tally's internal struggle leads her to make a life-altering decision. She must choose between betraying her new friends or standing up against a system that controls people’s minds and bodies. The tension builds as her mission goes awry, resulting in an unexpected betrayal that puts Tally at the center of the conflict between the Pretties and The Smoke.

What sets Uglies apart from other dystopian films is its unique focus on beauty and control. While many dystopian narratives explore totalitarian governments and rebellion, Uglies emphasizes the cost of a society that prioritizes appearance above all else, revealing how conformity can strip away not just individuality but also free will. This thematic focus, combined with a visually captivating world, gives the film a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by familiar tropes.

However, despite its promising premise and thematic depth, Uglies failed to impress critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a low 21% approval rating, with many critics pointing to a lack of emotional depth in the storytelling, calling it superficial—ironically, given the subject matter. Metacritic scores were equally underwhelming, with a 34/100 rating, indicating "generally unfavorable" reviews. Some argue that while the film’s visuals were striking, it never fully committed to exploring the complexities of its characters or the moral implications of its dystopian world.

Produced on a moderate budget, Uglies was released direct to Netflix and the movie is being embraced by a huge audience. While it may not be a critical darling, the film’s exploration of beauty, identity, and control offers plenty for fans of dystopian drama to reflect on. In conclusion, Uglies may not reach the heights of genre standouts, but it certainly sparks a conversation about the cost of perfection in an imperfect world.