After years, we have finally gained a new YA dystopian movie for readers all around the world to obsess over. If you foster a love for the YA dystopian genre, or simply are looking for a fun new movie, “Uglies” has just come out and is available on Netflix. Read further for a spoiler-free review of the new flick!
After seeing the constant buzz and hype about the new “Uglies” movie in the news lately, I finally sat down and watched it. “Uglies” is based on a dystopian young adult book series of the same name, which chronicles the adventures of a young girl, Tally, in a world where people must undergo cosmetic surgery at the age of 16 to enter society.
I’ve never read the “Uglies” books myself, but I’ve heard people rave about them. I was excited about the new movie, as recently YA dystopian films have been lacking. “Uglies” is a harkening back to a teen movie hayday, where “The Hunger Games,” “Maze Runner,” and “Divergent” were at the height of their popularity in the 2010s. The reading community has been starved for book-to-movie adaptations recently, meaning “Uglies” has come out at the perfect time.
“Uglies” stars Joey King, Chase Stokes, Keith Powers, Brianne Tju, and Laverne Cox. I was intrigued by the cast, and I thought that the well-rounded group might lend a good aspect to the film. The actors all did a great job with what they were given, and their performances made me interested to see what they will do in the future.Â
The film begins by showing us the life of the Pretties vs. the Uglies. The Pretties are gorgeous, perfectly designed humans that live in a lush city. The Uglies are children waiting for their future surgeries, hoping to gain entrance into the world of the Pretties on their 16th birthdays. They spend all their time looking out over their bridge into the futuristic metropolis, reminiscent of a shiny, brand new New York with skyscrapers and hoverboards galore.Â
Our main character Tally is an Ugly, and her best friend Peris leaves her to become a Pretty. This event sets off the rest of the movie, where we discover that the enchanting Pretties’ world might not be all that it seems. We see the other side to this universe, where revolution and rebellion is widespread, and becoming pretty doesn’t necessarily mean a happy ending. I won’t spoil it any further, as you’ll have to watch the film to find out what happens to Tally and her friends.
I enjoyed this movie. It is rampant with cringey lines, bad CGI, and a lack of worldbuilding that makes the premise of the movie laughable. However, that’s what makes it so great. Sometimes a movie doesn’t need to be serious, or even make sense. While “Uglies” may be lacking in logic and good writing, it makes up for that in pure, simple fun.Â
Watching this movie is the art of relaxing, as your brain doesn’t have to work too hard to decode anything. There’s at least 3 montages of a hoverboard, and multiple instances of nonsensical behavior that is absolutely nonsense. The love triangle adds another hilarious part to the movie, and the sheer craziness of the story made me want even more.
I will warn you; “Uglies” does end on a cliffhanger. However, I truly hope that Netflix decides to make another one, as I think we could all use more silly, enjoyable movies to lighten up our days.