The Uglies: Netflix’s Latest Dystopian Adventure!

Confession time: I’m always drawn to dystopian stories that take a hard look at our obsession with perfection, and Netflix’s Uglies is no exception! 

Adapted from Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 YA novel, the film explores a world where beauty is the ultimate goal, but achieving it comes at a cost. 

With an exciting cast and thought-provoking themes, Uglies delivers on the drama, action, and moral dilemmas.

Scene Review

Our protagonist, Tally Youngblood, is played by Joey King, who perfectly captures the character’s inner conflict. Tally lives in a world where, at 16, everyone undergoes a mandatory surgery to become a “Pretty.” Until then, they’re deemed “Uglies”—unworthy of being part of the higher society. Joey King brings depth to the role, showing Tally’s struggle between wanting to fit in and later realizing the dark truth behind the system.

Tally’s world shifts when she meets Shay, played by Brianne Tju. Shay is a rebellious teen who refuses to conform to society’s demand for perfection and instead introduces Tally to The Smoke, a resistance group that rejects the surgery. Shay’s rebellious nature adds tension and excitement, especially when she tries to convince Tally to abandon the surgery and live freely as herself. Tju delivers a powerful performance, showing Shay’s vulnerability and strong-willed defiance.

Chase Stokes plays Peris, Tally’s childhood best friend who has already undergone the transformation into a Pretty. His transition puts a strain on their relationship, as Tally realizes that becoming a Pretty doesn’t just change one's appearance but also their mind and priorities. Peris’ character serves as a reminder of what Tally risks losing by following the societal norms.

Then there’s Dr. Cable, the ruthless leader of the operation, played by Laverne Cox. Dr. Cable is a character you love to hate, embodying everything wrong with their society. Cox’s portrayal gives the character a cold, calculated demeanour that keeps you glued to the screen, especially when she confronts Tally about her decisions. This confrontation feels like a chess game where Tally's every move is being watched.

David, portrayed by Keith Powers, plays a crucial role as well. He’s a member of The Smoke who introduces Tally to life beyond the city’s rigid beauty standards. As Tally and David grow closer, their connection deepens her understanding of what’s truly at stake. Powers brings a grounded, thoughtful energy to David, creating a powerful dynamic between him and Tally.

Why I Like It

What really draws me to Uglies is how much it makes you think. Joey King’s portrayal of Tally shows the intense emotional journey of someone who starts out desperate to conform, only to discover the true cost of fitting in. The film’s stunning visuals—a futuristic yet eerily possible world—keep you engaged, while the heart of the story keeps you thinking long after it ends.

Why You Should Watch It

Uglies is a must-watch if you’re a fan of dystopian sci-fi with a real-world message. It challenges societal pressures to conform to an ideal version of ourselves and digs deep into the consequences of living in a world that equates beauty with worth. 

If you’ve read the book, you’ll appreciate how well the movie captures its essence while adding some fresh, cinematic touches. 

The chemistry between Joey King, Chase Stokes, and Keith Powers and Brianne Tju gives the story even more depth, making it emotionally gripping as well as action packed.

Fun Fact

While the novel Uglies was a massive hit back in 2005, it’s taken nearly 20 years for the film adaptation to happen. Joey King, who has made her mark in several Netflix projects, was handpicked for the role of Tally because of her ability to bring both vulnerability and strength to her characters. 

Final Thoughts

Uglies serves up more than just sci-fi spectacle. It’s a thoughtful examination of beauty, control, and rebellion. The journey of Tally Youngblood from an eager to please teen to a revolutionary against the system is inspiring, making you question the societal standards of beauty that still exist in today’s world. It’s not just a dystopian thriller; it’s a film with a message about self worth.

So, if you’re looking for your next sci-fi binge, Uglies is a must! Let’s skip the beauty standards, though, and stick with the raw, rebellious spirit of Tally and the Smoke crew instead. After all, beauty is what you make of it.