Emily Garbutt
Updated on: October 11, 2024 8:03 am GMT
Netflix’s latest release, “Uglies,” directed by McG, attempts to breathe new life into the young adult dystopian genre, but it largely stumbles in its execution. Based on Scott Westerfeld’s acclaimed 2005 novel of the same name, the film aims to tackle themes of beauty and societal acceptance through a futuristic lens. Yet, critics argue that its flat storytelling and dated aesthetics overshadow its potential, leaving viewers dissatisfied.
The Premise: A Struggle for Identity in a Beauty-Obsessed World
Set in a dystopian future where physical beauty reigns supreme, “Uglies” follows the journey of Tally Youngblood, played by Joey King. In this world, individuals undergo mandatory surgeries at the age of 16 to become “Pretties,” conforming to an idealized look that erases any flaws. This premise resonates with contemporary discussions around body image and self-acceptance, making it a relevant narrative for today’s youth.
The screenplay, co-written by Vanessa Taylor, Jacob Forman, and Whit Anderson, seeks to address critical themes including identity, self-worth, and the implications of societal standards. However, the film’s approach has been criticized for its lack of depth and the execution of its commentary.
Plot Summary: A Thin Veil of Adventure
Tally’s story kicks off when her close friend, Peris (Chase Stokes), prepares for his transformation into a Pretty. The initial promise of remaining true to oneself falters as Tally grapples with her own desires to fit into a beautiful mold. After Peris undergoes surgery, he becomes emotionally distant, prompting Tally to overlook essential connections as she is drawn into the allure of physical beauty.
When Tally befriends Shay, portrayed by Brianne Tju, the narrative takes a turn as Shay rebels against the enforced surgeries, seeking refuge with a group known as the Smoke. The stakes rise when Dr. Cable, a character portrayed by Laverne Cox, coerces Tally into investigating the Smoke, threatening her with permanent “ugliness” if she refuses to comply. This conflict propels Tally into a world of rebellion, where she encounters love, moral dilemmas, and the harsh realities of a society fixated on superficiality.
Comparative Analysis: Deviations from the Source Material
While the film aims to remain faithful to the novel, several significant alterations impact the storyline. An exploration of these changes reveals how adaptations can shape the narrative’s impact on audiences.
Character Arcs and Relationships
In the book, Tally’s relationships develop in more nuanced ways, allowing for a deeper emotional connection with both Peris and Shay. The film simplifies these relationships, reducing complexities that could have enriched the characters. For instance, Peris does not evolve into a “Special” in the book, where Shay’s transformation highlights the consequences of desiring beauty. Instead, the film merges character arcs, leading to less impactful outcomes.
The Use of Symbolism: Thoreau’s Influence
The film introduces Henry David Thoreau’s “Walden,” a notable deviation that represents a shift in thematic focus. Thoreau’s ideas of civil disobedience and self-exploration, which are central to the book’s later installments, are incorporated into the movie’s plot but could feel misplaced to viewers who are unfamiliar with their significance. This inclusion could have been leveraged more effectively to bolster the film’s commentary on independence and societal critique.
Visual Aesthetics: A Missed Opportunity
“Uglies” aims to captivate audiences through advanced visual effects and vibrant production design. However, many critics argue that the heavy reliance on CGI detracts from the film’s cohesion. The world-building, which should signify the stark contrasts between the “Prettys” and the rest of society, is overshadowed by what has been described as a cheap-looking environment that lacks the depth needed to engage viewers fully.
The film’s overall aesthetic choices—overlit scenes and a glossy sheen—blur the rawness of the characters’ struggles, reducing the emotional weight of Tally’s journey. This disparity between intent and execution results in an experience that feels disjointed.
Reception: A Critical Perspective
Critics have been largely unimpressed by “Uglies,” deeming it one of the more forgettable entries in the young adult film genre. While the film has garnered attention for its modern relevance, reviews suggest it suffers from several flaws—including underdeveloped characters, predictable plot points, and lackluster performances.
Joey King’s portrayal of Tally offers some spirited moments, but much of her effort is diminished by a script that fails to provide her character with the depth needed to resonate with audiences. Critics point out that King’s likability does not compensate for the film’s overall mediocrity, drawing attention to the broader issues affecting many adaptations of beloved literary works.
Concluding Thoughts: The Future of Dystopian Adaptations
As it stands, “Uglies” attempts to assimilate into the broader landscape of young adult dystopian cinema but falters in delivering a compelling narrative that aligns with its source material. As a product of a genre that has seen numerous successes and failures, the film’s shortcomings highlight the critical importance of staying true to the essence of the original work while adapting it for the screen.
It will be interesting to see if future movie adaptations can balance new ideas while staying true to the books. Uglies” is now available to watch on Netflix. This film gives viewers a fresh look at beauty, identity, and the pressure from society, but we might want to keep our expectations low.
