Netflix’s Uglies (2024), directed by McG and starring Joey King, is an adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s popular YA novel. The film promised a visually striking, thought-provoking dystopian tale about beauty, conformity, and identity. But does it live up to the hype?
Story Overview
Uglies is set in a world where everyone is considered an “Ugly” until they turn sixteen and undergo mandatory cosmetic surgery to become “Pretty.” The protagonist, Tally Youngblood (Joey King), eagerly anticipates her transformation. However, when her best friend Peris disappears and she encounters a group of rebels living outside the system, Tally begins to question the society’s rigid rules.
The plot follows Tally as she navigates between these two worlds: the oppressive city of Pretties and the free-spirited rebel enclave known as “The Smoke.” She must decide whether to conform to survive or rebel to preserve her identity.
Themes & Execution
The movie touches on themes that resonate today:
- Beauty and Conformity: The dangers of societal pressure and the extremes people go to fit in.
- Identity and Autonomy: Who are we if we surrender our bodies and appearances to rules?
- Friendship and Loyalty: The emotional stakes of Tally’s choices are tied closely to her friends and personal bonds.
McG’s direction favors high-energy visuals and world-building, using CGI and futuristic design to differentiate the Pretties’ sleek city from the rugged, naturalistic Smoke.
Performances
Joey King shines as Tally, balancing curiosity, fear, and courage. Her portrayal captures both the excitement of adolescence and the moral complexity of rebellion.
Supporting cast, including Keith Powers and Chase Stokes, provide solid performances, though the film’s fast pace leaves some characters underdeveloped. The story relies heavily on visual cues and plot devices, occasionally at the expense of emotional depth.
Strengths
- Topical Concept: The commentary on beauty standards and social conformity is timely and relevant.
- Visual Style: The film creates distinct worlds with eye-catching production design.
- Lead Performance: Joey King anchors the story effectively, making Tally’s journey compelling.
- Accessibility: The movie is easy to watch and follow, appealing to younger audiences.
Weaknesses
- Shallow Themes: Many of the deeper societal questions raised in the book are only lightly touched upon.
- Pacing Issues: The narrative moves quickly, sometimes sacrificing character development for plot progression.
- Critical Reception: The movie has received low reviews from critics, citing weak storytelling and execution. (Rotten Tomatoes)
- CGI/Effects: Some of the futuristic visuals feel cheap or underwhelming compared to expectations.
Reception & Popularity
Critics have largely panned Uglies, noting that the adaptation doesn’t fully explore its source material’s themes. Yet, viewers are watching in droves — Netflix reported that the movie reached ~20 million views in its first three days, debuting at #2 on the platform’s most-watched list. This contrast between critical and audience response shows that the film is popular, if divisive.
Verdict
Uglies is a visually engaging, entertaining film that struggles to match its high-concept premise with execution. For viewers seeking dystopian adventure, colorful visuals, and a straightforward story about rebellion and self-discovery, it delivers. For those looking for deeper thematic exploration or a faithful adaptation of Westerfeld’s novel, it may feel underwhelming.
Rating: 3 / 5 – A crowd-pleasing dystopian thriller with style but not enough substance.
