Released on Netflix in September of 2024 was the movie “Uglies.” The movie is based off Scott Westerfeld’s dystopian novel.
The first book was released in 2005. It introduced a society where everyone is ugly until they turn 16 and undergo a surgery to become “Pretty.”
The story follows Tally Youngblood, a 15 year old girl, who initially looks forward to her transformation. Tally is shown to be counting down the days till she turns 16 and receives her surgery to be pretty.
Tally and her best friend Paris (nickname Nose) believe that once pretty, they would enjoy a carefree and happy life.
The movie throws some light on historical events stating that the “Rusties” of the past squandered earth’s natural resources. This led to war and chaos.
As a result of the actions of the “Rusties”, scientists created a genetically modified orchid as an energy source.
The scientist also created a procedure that would give everyone a life changing transformation to become their most perfect self. The goal was to eliminate all conflict resulting from differences in physical appearances.
Both Paris and Tally reside in the ugly dorms at the start of the movie. The dorms are strictly regulated and are for children under 16 while they wait for their surgery.
Paris receives his surgery first as he was three months older than Tally. They make a promise to see each other before Tally’s surgery but Paris fails to show up.
In one scene, Tally sneaks into the Pretty Town. She finds Paris but as a pretty, he is more distant and cold towards her. He tells her they can be friends again once she is pretty. You would expect that alarm bells would have been ringing in Tally’s head. The movie however continues with Tally dreaming of her pretty days.
With Paris gone, Tally forms a close bond with Shay after a brief encounter.
Shay is a strong personality who has no interest in being pretty. She teaches Tally to hoverboard and tells Tally about a group of people called “the smoke.”
According to Shay, “the smoke” do not want to be pretty and live free in nature. Shay eventually leaves to join the smoke. She gives Tally a map that would lead her to them if she ever decides not to get the surgery.
When Tally turns 16 and Shay is not present at the pretty ceremony, she is denied her surgery. The district governor, Dr. Cable, played by Lavern Cox, demands that Tally find the smoke.
Dr. Cable explains to her that Shay is in danger. Wanting to protect Shay and also trying to secure her surgery, Tally goes on an undercover mission to find “the smoke”
As the plot develops, Tally begins to question the societal norms and the consequences of this enforced beauty. She falls in love with David, the leader of “the smoke.” She also uncovers dark secrets about the surgery and its impact on individuality and freedom.
The film tackles themes of beauty, identity, and the importance of self-acceptance, culminating in Tally’s struggle to break free from societal expectations and embrace her true self.
What I liked About the Movie
The movie did not leave a lot to be desired. One of the movies’ biggest issue was that the visual effects were not great. It was difficult to forget that this was a greenscreen. One scene that comes to mind is when tally rides the hoverboard on the roller-coaster. Again, when she escapes from Garbo Mansion.
Again, the speed in which Tally learns how to use the hoverboard was not believable. I recognize that it is a movie but it was like ten seconds later and she was an expert. Same sentiment I had with how quickly Tally fell in love with David.
No one in the cast was ugly. In fact they were all extremely beautiful people. I guess in a way one could argue that the point of the movie was just that.
Would I Recommend the Movie?
Although I spent most of the time while watching the movie cringing or criticizing the movie, I would say if you have some free time, it is OK to watch. Chances are you would make your own criticisms as you go along or maybe pull out a hair or two.
It is implied that a sequel could follow.
How Would You Rate the Movie?
I would give this a 1.5 out of 5.
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