The new Netflix film “Uglies,” featuring Joey King, delves into the question of beauty and its cost, based on Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel of the same name. Set in a dystopian society, the story centers on a coming-of-age ritual where individuals undergo surgery on their 16th birthday to transform into their “healthy, happy, pretty” selves, known as Pretties. Until then, they are categorized as Uglies and occupy a lower social status.
At the film’s onset, Tally is two months shy of her 16th birthday, while her best friend Peris, portrayed by Chase Stokes, prepares for his surgery. They promise each other that the procedure will not change them, reminiscing about the scars they share on their hands.
After Peris leaves to become a Pretty, Tally befriends Shay (Brianne Tju), who is uncertain about undergoing the surgery and expresses interest in staying in the enigmatic Smoky region, which Tally thought was fictional. Shay introduces Tally to the Smoke, suggesting that a life without surgery may offer the freedom she seeks, even if it means sacrificing her beauty.
As Tally decides to proceed with her transformation, she finds herself summoned by Dr. Cable (Laverne Cox), the head of Special Circumstances, who presents her with a critical choice: spy on Shay or forfeit her surgery. Cable reveals that the Smoke is developing a weapon to overthrow their society and that Tally must locate it to save the city.
Upon reaching the Smoke, Tally’s intentions become clear to Shay, who allows her to remain, believing her perspective will shift. Over time, Tally learns to appreciate self-acceptance over societal standards of beauty.
Tally meets Shay’s parents, Az (DeVon Johnson) and Maddy (Charmin Lee), who disclose the surgery’s true purpose: creating brain lesions that suppress critical thought and foster mind control. As they seek to reverse these effects, Maddy convinces Tally to join their cause against Cable’s oppressive regime.
Soon, Tally discovers that Peris, now a Special—a more advanced form of Pretty—has been manipulated into becoming a killer, acting on Cable’s orders. In a confrontation, Tally tries to reach Peris, but he falls from a building during a struggle, leaving his fate ambiguous.
As the narrative unfolds, Cable forces Tally, David, and Maddy into the surgery chamber. Just then, the Smoke fighters attack, allowing Maddy to retrieve the final element needed for a cure. Tally, now a Pretty, volunteers to be the test subject for the cure, aiming to save Shay, who initially rejects it.
Tally reassures David of her resilience, expressing her determination to retain her identity, and offers to leave him a sign. Ultimately, Tally undergoes the transformation, waking up in her new Pretty life, yet still bearing a scar—perhaps a signal of her past self.
The film hints at potential sequels, being the first of a trilogy that includes “Pretties” and “Specials.” In the follow-up, Tally grapples with lost memories of her mission and ultimately finds herself again by taking the cure. The trilogy promises further exploration of Tally’s journey from Pretty to Special, emphasizing the consequences of societal pressures and the quest for true identity.