The new Netflix film “Uglies,” starring Joey King, explores the societal cost of beauty and the pressures of conforming to an ideal. Adapted from Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel, it presents a dystopian setting where individuals undergo surgery on their 16th birthday to transform into their “Pretty” selves. Until they have the procedure, they are labeled as “Uglies” and occupy a lower social status.
In the film, Tally, played by King, is just months away from her surgery while her best friend Peris, portrayed by Chase Stokes, prepares for his transformation. The pair vows to remain true to themselves despite the procedure. After Peris leaves for his surgery, Tally befriends Shay (Brianne Tju), who is uncertain about undergoing the surgery and expresses her desire to escape to the Smoke, a rumored place free from societal norms.
As Tally and Shay explore the Smoke, they discover its truth and the potential freedom it offers. However, Tally remains committed to becoming a Pretty until she is confronted by Dr. Cable (Laverne Cox), who reveals that Shay is linked to a growing threat against their society. Tally is coerced into choosing between betraying her friend or losing her chance to become Pretty.
Throughout the narrative, Tally learns about the surgeries’ underlying objective: they create lesions in the brain to suppress critical thinking and promote compliance. This revelation leads Tally to bond with the inhabitants of the Smoke, including David (Keith Powers) and his parents, who are working to reverse the effects of the surgeries.
As the story escalates, Tally must navigate intense confrontations, including a dramatic showdown with Dr. Cable, leading her to ultimately become a Pretty. The film concludes by leaving the door open for future developments, hinting at the possibility of a sequel, as Tally grapples with her identity in a world where beauty is manipulated.
“Uglies” sets up the next chapters of Tally’s journey, based on the original trilogy that explores the consequences of her decision to embrace surface beauty and the fight for true self-acceptance.