So, Netflix has finally adapted Uglies, Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 dystopian novel, into a movie. Directed by McG, the film explores a future where everyone is labeled “ugly” until they turn 16 and get surgery to become “pretty.” The concept is pretty intriguing, but the execution? Well, it’s a bit all over the place. Let’s dive into what worked and what didn’t.
A Society Obsessed with Looks
The story follows Tally Youngblood (played by Joey King), a teenager eager to join the “pretty” ranks. But when her best friend Peris (Chase Stokes) undergoes the transformation, Tally starts questioning everything she thought she knew about beauty. She soon gets involved with The Smoke, a rebel group fighting against society’s shallow ideals.
While the film tries to shine a light on society’s obsession with beauty, the message comes across as too simplified. It shows “uglies” as already conventionally attractive, making the whole critique of extreme beauty standards feel a bit off. Instead of diving deeper into why people chase cosmetic perfection, it sticks to the surface-level idea that beauty is inherently bad.
The Problematic Trans Representation
Here’s where things get dicey. Laverne Cox, a trans actress, plays Dr. Cable, the villain in this dystopian world. Now, casting a trans woman as the antagonist in a movie that critiques cosmetic surgery? That’s where the movie raises some eyebrows. The film unintentionally sends a harmful message by linking trans identities with villainy, making it a problematic portrayal that could have been handled with more care.
A Dull Visual Experience
McG, the guy behind Terminator Salvation, is known for his action-packed style, but Uglies doesn’t quite hit the mark visually. The sets are bland, like they filmed in an empty mall, and the CGI feels cheap and unconvincing. For a movie set in an advanced society, it just looks, well… basic. You expect more flair and creativity from a futuristic dystopian world, but here, it’s mostly just sterile and uninspired.
A Strong Cast, but Limited Screenplay
The saving grace of Uglies? Some of the performances. Joey King gives it her all as Tally, and you can see her passion for the role. Her journey from an innocent believer in the “pretty” system to a rebellious fighter is solid, even if the screenplay doesn’t quite do her transformation justice.
Brianne Tju as Shay steals the show, though. Her portrayal of a disillusioned rebel is both raw and impactful, bringing much-needed depth to the story. Unfortunately, Keith Powers (David) and Chase Stokes (Peris) don’t leave the same impression. Stokes plays his part well enough, but Powers just feels too polished to be a rebel leader, and the chemistry between him and King isn’t quite there, making the romantic subplot fall flat.
Conclusion
While Uglies has a visually interesting premise and some strong performances, it struggles with its execution. The social critique on beauty feels shallow, and the film doesn’t fully explore the deeper themes it hints at. Add in the problematic representation of trans characters and a visually dull dystopian world, and you’ve got a movie that doesn’t quite live up to its potential.
If you’re a fan of the book or dystopian flicks, it might still be worth a watch, but temper your expectations.