Uglies is an upcoming American science fiction drama set to be released in 2024, directed by McG and was based on the best selling young adult novel by Scott Westerfeld. Jacob Forman, Vanessa Taylor, and Whit Anderson are the ones who wrote the movie’s script. Released by Netflix, the film is a dystopian tale that questions standards of beauty, the act of conforming, and individuality. With a stunning lineup led by Joey King, the film brings Westerfeld’s futuristic vision to life in a visually stunning, if narratively familiar, adaptation.
Plot Summary
A World of Uglies and Pretties
A set several centuries into the future has society slowly recolonizing after nearly apocalyptic environmental destruction; they rebuild themselves around a dystopian value system: Ward physical perfection. Every citizen is “Ugly,” until they reach 16 years of age, after which they are able to undergo a mandatory procedure called Surgew, which transforms them into a “Pretty”. The transformation is done in multiple stages to not only change the individual’s face or body but also brain in order to ensure emotional stability and social compliance.
Tally Youngblood, an Ugly at 15 years old, is eagerly anticipating the day of her transformation. It is a countdown for her and a celebration for Peris, her best friend who has already turned Pretty. However, although Tally now has access to Pretty Town, her and Peris’ reunion leaves much to be desired. While he used to be warm and friendly, now he is distant and seems to only care about his popularity and his image an all-consuming friendship renouncing the bare bones of their prior bond.
With Shay and Learning Me the Truth
In Uglyville, Tally reunites with Shay, another 15-year-old who is also an Ugly and questions the society of the Pretties. Shay is supportive and teaches Tally to think differently by telling her the stories of the Smoke, a society that lives freely without settling for dwelling behind the surgical disguise of a Pretty. Shay plans on escaping to join Smoke right before her birthday and asks Tally to join her. But Tally’s dreams of someday being a Pretty were too radiant, and so she said no.
Tally is shocked to discover her procedure has been delayed shortly after her birthday. This is because Dr. Cable, the very scary head of Special Circumstances, informs Tally that she must assist in finding Shay and the Smoke, else she will not be able to become Pretty. Tally has to accept the mission—and help locate Shay and the Smoke—after being issued a tracking device that she needs to activate when she locates the Smoke.
Smoke, Betrayal
Tally embarks on her quest to locate the Smoke and is warmly welcomed by Shay, David, a close friend of Shay’s and Tally’s love interest. Gradually, Tally begins to notice the flaws in the Pretty system. It comes to her attention that the surgery performed results in brain lesions, which makes a person’s ability to think creatively diminish. Moreover, such individuals become independent in terms of their thinking, rendering them brainless, spoiled, compliant, and shallow citizens for whom reality is nothing more than blind submission.
Tally’s feelings for David develop, which puts her in conflict between loyalty to her new friends and her promise of being a Pretty. As with many brave souls, Tally tries to take a stand, and in her case, against guilt. In her story, she tries to stand up by confessing to her guilt and revealing that she brought the tracker. Unfortunately for her, that comes too late. Special Circumstances has already uncovered the Smoke and have apprehended a large number of its inhabitants, Shay included.
Redemption and Resistance
With David’s assistance, Tally is able to undertake a solo mission to rescue the people who are captured by the Special Circumstances. During this process, she learns to appreciate her inner strength and the value of independent thought and freedom. Once she is back to the city, Tally willingly goes through the surgery, but only after a secret agreement to participate in an experimental procedure that seeks to mend the brain lesions. Her intention is to aid others in mind and identity reclamation by first subverting the system from within.
While Tally has undergone physical changes, her internal resolve shows no signs of wavering. As the film comes to a close, she is ready to challenge the system from within and bears the symbolic scar of her past shared with Peris and Shay. The mark signifies loyalty to her past while serving as a testament to defiance against enforced societal perfection.
Cast and Crew
Director: McG
Screenwriters: Jacob Forman, Vanessa Taylor, Whit Anderson
Producers: John Davis, Jordan Davis, Robyn Meisinger, Dan Spilo, Mary Viola, McG
Music: Edward Shearmur
Cinematography: Xiaolong Liu
Editing: Martin Bernfeld, Brad Besser
Cast:
Joey King as Tally Youngblood
Brianne Tju as Shay
Keith Powers as David
Chase Stokes as Peris
Laverne Cox as Dr. Cable
Themes and Symbols
Vs Conformity: Individuality
The main problem in Uglies is the need to conform to societal standards of physical beauty. The societal ritual of transforming one into a Pretty comes with loss of autonomy—both psychological and freedom to think. The film addresses how societies use standards of beauty as tools of social control to shape behavior, suppress opposition, and eliminate individuality.
Identity and Beauty
The Pretty operation transcends mere cosmetic surgery; it aims at psychological control. The film is a critique of contemporary civilization’s unhealthy preoccupation with superficial appearance and raises ethical concerns on the extent to which one should undergo alteration to meet societal standards.
Consent: Autonomy
The narrative puts emphasis on the need for choice. Tally’s evolution from enthusiastic participant to reluctant rebel showcases the peril of systems designed to “enhance” life by forcibly removing the ability to choose, even when draped with the promise of balance or utopia.
Critical and Audience Reception
Uglies received a mixed critique. Most critics praised Joey King and Brianne Tju for their emotionally impactful performances, but the film was criticized for falling into the all too familiar young adult dystopian novel adaptation mold. Many critics pointed out the story’s lack of originality, the characters’ flat portrayal in comparison to the wealth of development present in the original text, and found it deeply troubling.
Despite the above challenges, some elements fared better, such as the film’s visual spectacle. Its futuristic world digitally created as smoke contrasted against the beauty of ‘Pretty Town’ was an effective metaphor for the artificial nature of societal expectations on beauty.
Most people, especially the book fans and younger audiences, responded more positively to the film. The movie’s release on Netflix increased viewership as it soared up the chart for streaming content. The film was praised for promoting body autonomy, self image, friendships, and other relevant topics even if the plot itself left a lot to be desired.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
Outstanding lead acting, especially delivered by Joey King and Brianne Tju
Timely and relevant issues regarding personal beauty standards and individual options
Effective world-building alongside striking visual contrasts
Relatable narratives for the young adult audience
Weaknesses:
Overly explored plot elements, from other dystopian YA franchises, are included here
Minimal analysis of supporting characters
Some character development is undermined due to rushed pacing
Important messages, at times, lacks nuance
Future Potential
The original Uglies novel is the first in a series that includes Pretties, Specials, and Extras. The film also leaves open-ended content so there might be potential for sequels. Adaptation depend on audience reception and viewer retention.
Considering the rich source material, as well as timely relevant themes, there is potential for sophisticated storytelling in later parts, if allowed time and space to develop characters and explore philosophical questions regarding identity and control.
Conclusion
Uglies (2024) is an adaptation that reflects a deep consideration of its source material, which thrives on imagination and innovation. Although it has been said time and again that the dystopian genre has run out of steam, it remains relevant. This adaptation makes use of the society we live in and the expectations it has on individuals to craft a thought-provoking narrative centered around the notion of beauty and self-acceptance. Uglies stands as a warning for those who allow society to dictate how they view themselves and where conformity stifles individuality.
Watch free movies on Fmovies