The new Netflix film “Uglies,” featuring Joey King, explores the concept of beauty and the cost associated with it. This movie is adapted from Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel of the same name and is set in a dystopian society with a unique coming-of-age tradition.
In this world, individuals undergo a surgery on their 16th birthday that transforms them into their “healthy, happy, pretty” selves. Before the surgery, they are referred to as Uglies, which places them in a lower social class. The story follows Tally, who is just a couple of months shy of turning 16. Her best friend, Peris, is preparing for his surgery, and they pledge to remain unchanged despite the operation, reminiscing over their matching scars.
After Peris departs for his transformation, Tally befriends Shay, who is also facing the surgery but is uncertain about pursuing it. Shay introduces Tally to the Smoke, a supposed urban legend that represents a world without the surgery. While Tally initially believes in the system and anticipates her transformation, she soon finds herself caught in a conspiracy when Dr. Cable, head of Special Circumstances, offers her an ultimatum: help her locate Shay or forfeit the surgery.
Tally discovers that the surgery inflicts brain lesions that impair free thought, creating a population that is easily controlled. Meanwhile, Shay and her group in the Smoke work to resist these attempts at domination.
As the plot unfolds, Tally grapples with her identity and ultimately decides to undergo the surgery but is left with a lingering mark from her past. Peris, who is turned into a brainwashed Special, encounters a tense moment with Tally, leading to a pivotal situation that leaves his fate uncertain.
The climax sees Tally, along with David and others, being forced into the procedure. However, chaos ensues, and a crucial piece of the cure for the brain damage inflicted by the surgery is located. Maddy, one of the characters, has discovered the formula but struggles with the ethics of administering it to those who don’t consent, including Shay.
In a bold move, Tally volunteers to be the test subject for the cure, hoping it can change the course of events and free her friend Shay from the restrictions of being Pretty. The film hints at the possibility of sequels, as it is the first part of a trilogy involving further adventures and transformations for Tally, leading into the next books: “Pretties” and “Specials.”