By Romey Norton September 16, 2024
Based on the 2005 dystopian novel by Scott Westerfeld and set in a post-apocalyptic society, the streaming giant Netflix brings the teen-drama film 'Uglies' to our screens.
Synopsis
Set in a world where everyone is “ugly”, once someone turns 16 they can undergo cosmetic surgery to become “pretty”. Tally Youngblood joins a rebel group called The Smoke to try and change the world. The film stars Joey King (Tally), Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Keith Powers, and Laverne Cox.
Review
The story line is simple - teens taking on the world, wanting change and overcoming controversy. There’s a big bad villain (Cox) who they must defeat. 'Uglies' has similar tropes to other young-action dramas, such as 'Divergent', 'The Hunger Games' and 'The Maze Runner', despite the books preceding them. I worry that 'Uglies' has taken too long to make it to our screens, (it was announced back in 2006), and because of this has a lot to be compared to, and unfortunately doesn’t compete with the previous films listed.
The divide between the ‘uglies’ and the ‘pretties’ (cheesy sounding but it works) reflects social issues regarding the pressure we put on people to look perfect and the ridicule you can experience when you don’t fit society's standards. The film tries to convey that surgery is unnecessary and to accept everyone no matter what they look like. It's not a bad message to send, especially in modern times where botox and fillers are becoming a standard practice. However, sometimes this is lost and the movie can send a different, more dangerous message to its audience. The reality is, that not all cosmetic surgery is bad, and people undergo it for several reasons, not just about self-esteem and appearance. In its efforts, the film might come across as ignorant.
Cox is one of the best actors in the movie, giving a cold and bewitching performance. Her casting is interesting - in real life, Cox is celebrated for her surgery, but in the film, we’re looking at it as negative. This could be upsetting for people in the trans community - it’ll depend on how they view and respect the film's choices.
King gives a compelling performance as Tally, trying to navigate a world she doesn’t agree with, and wanting to make a change. Her character drives the story through her choices and is a strong, active female leader, ready to take on any challenge. Shay is my favourite character. Tju does a fantastic job of presenting this full of energy, quirky, silly, perfect sidekick.
The futuristic aspect is fun and intriguing - uglies being locked up and not allowed in society until they’re pretty can reflect how we keep children as children and then suddenly throw them into the real world at 16 without fully preparing them for it. The CGI can feel weak, coming across as cheesy and ineffective, but it's forgivable if there are some stronger parts that really bring this dystopian world to life.
Despite the acting and decent plot, 'Uglies' feels like a film made for Netflix’s business model - which is disappointing. But the last section of the film is its strongest - filled with action, drama and high emotion. These last parts make the film worth watching and begs for a sequel. 'Uglies' is thought-provoking, energetic with great acting and solid pace - watch it on Netflix now.
Star Rating
'Uglies is streaming now on Netflix
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