Should You Watch Joey King’s "Uglies"? A Netflix Must-See or Miss?

The new YA sci-fi movie “Uglies” is now available to stream on Netflix. The film, based on Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 best-selling novel, brings the dystopian world of Tally Youngblood to life. But with so many young adult films on the market, the big question remains: should you watch it?

Let’s dive into a comprehensive review to help you decide whether or not Netflix’s latest release, starring Joey King, is worth your time.

Overview of “Uglies”

“Uglies” tells the story of Tally Youngblood, a 15-year-old girl living in a futuristic world where physical perfection is everything. The society is split into two groups: the Uglies (pre-surgery teenagers) and the Pretties (those who have undergone a drastic transformation to become beautiful and are living a life of luxury in the city). The story begins as Tally approaches her 16th birthday, the day she is meant to undergo The Transformation, a procedure that will turn her into a Pretty and allow her to live the perfect life she’s always dreamed of.

The Premise of a Dystopian World

The world in which “Uglies” is set is one where natural beauty is deemed obsolete. The society has perfected a medical procedure that turns every citizen into their “perfect” version of themselves. This pursuit of physical perfection ensures peace, as beauty is seen as the solution to social unrest. In this post-apocalyptic world, individuals are surgically altered to eliminate differences that could lead to conflict.

The story’s central theme is a thinly veiled critique of modern society’s obsession with beauty standards, social media, and technology. At its core, “Uglies” is a commentary on how society views beauty and conformity, and how this influences our self-worth and the world around us.

Tally’s Journey and Character Development

At the heart of the story is Tally Youngblood, portrayed by Joey King. Tally’s journey is a classic coming-of-age tale wrapped in a dystopian sci-fi setting. She’s a girl who starts out desperately wanting to fit in and become beautiful but soon learns that beauty is not all it’s cracked up to be. Her arc involves discovering the truth behind the Transformation and questioning everything she’s been taught.

As Tally’s character evolves, she shifts from wanting to conform to the city’s standards to embracing individuality. Her relationship with her friend Shay introduces her to “The Smoke,” a group of rebels who reject the Transformation and choose to live free from societal pressures.

The Role of Peris and Shay

Tally’s relationships with her friends play a pivotal role in her transformation. Peris, Tally’s best friend, has already undergone the procedure and has become a Pretty. The change in his personality after the surgery highlights how drastically the Transformation affects not just appearance but also one’s behaviour. Peris becomes distant, which leaves Tally feeling conflicted.

On the other hand, Shay introduces Tally to the Smoke, a community of rebels who refuse the operation and live outside the city. Shay’s rebellious nature and ideals challenge Tally’s views on beauty, and together, they question the morality of their society.

Plot Progression: Tally’s Dilemma

As the story unfolds, Tally faces a moral dilemma. On the day of her scheduled Transformation, Shay runs away to join the Smoke, leaving Tally in a precarious situation. The city’s ruthless leader, Dr. Cable, coerces Tally into infiltrating the Smoke to bring Shay back, threatening to withhold Tally’s surgery if she refuses.

However, once Tally reaches the Smoke, she starts to question the society she once believed in. The Smoke is far from the chaotic and dangerous place she was led to believe; instead, it represents freedom from the pressures of beauty standards and the manipulation of the city.

David and the Smoke’s Ideals

In the Smoke, Tally meets David, a young man who was born outside of the city and leads the rebels. David’s character provides a refreshing contrast to the Pretties. He’s natural, confident, and unafraid of being different. He believes in preserving individuality and rails against the city’s obsession with perfection. David’s speech about rejecting manipulation and embracing natural beauty is one of the film’s standout moments, reinforcing the film’s central message.

Themes of Beauty, Control, and Individuality

“Uglies” doesn’t shy away from exploring themes of societal control. The Transformation is more than just a cosmetic procedure—it’s a form of mind control that suppresses individuality and forces conformity. The film subtly critiques today’s tech-driven, social media-dominated culture, where beauty standards are dictated, and people are encouraged to chase perfection at any cost.

Through Tally’s experiences, viewers are prompted to question the ways in which society shapes their understanding of beauty and identity.

Joey King’s Performance as Tally Youngblood

Joey King shines in her role as Tally Youngblood. Known for her previous work in Netflix’s The Kissing Booth, King brings vulnerability and strength to the character. Her performance helps ground the film, even when the plot’s sci-fi elements feel a little over-the-top. She effectively conveys Tally’s inner conflict, her yearning to fit in, and her ultimate realisation that beauty isn’t everything.

King’s dedication to the role—having been a fan of the books herself—shows in her performance, and it’s clear she’s passionate about bringing Tally’s story to life.

Supporting Cast and Performances

The film features a solid supporting cast. Chase Stokes plays Peris, Tally’s childhood friend who has already undergone the Transformation. His portrayal of the distant, altered version of Peris helps illustrate the film’s theme of how the surgery affects people beyond just their appearance.

Brianne Tju delivers a strong performance as Shay, the rebellious friend who refuses to conform. Keith Powers, who plays David, stands out with his portrayal of a character that feels more grounded and genuine compared to the others.

Laverne Cox as Dr. Cable

One of the most anticipated performances in the film comes from Laverne Cox as Dr. Cable, the enigmatic and cold leader who manipulates Tally into infiltrating the Smoke. While Cox’s performance is commendable, her character feels somewhat underutilised, with little backstory or development beyond serving as the villainous figurehead of the city’s oppressive system.

Visuals and Special Effects

Unfortunately, “Uglies” falls short in the visual department. For a film set in a futuristic world, the visual effects and production design are surprisingly lacklustre. The CGI feels dated, and the colour palette is mostly bland, lacking the vibrancy one might expect from a film dealing with the stark contrast between the Uglies and the Pretties.

The film’s futuristic cityscapes and technology don’t push the boundaries of sci-fi, making it difficult to immerse in the world. While some set pieces work well enough, others leave much to be desired, especially considering the delays and challenges in the film’s production.

Direction by McG

McG, known for directing films like Terminator: Salvation and The Babysitter, takes the helm on this adaptation. His direction keeps the pace moving, but the film occasionally struggles with tone, wavering between serious dystopian drama and quirky YA adventure. This lack of tonal consistency hampers the overall experience, leaving the viewer unsure of whether the film wants to be taken seriously or enjoyed for its YA simplicity.

Adaptation from Book to Screen

Fans of the book may find themselves divided over the film’s adaptation. While Joey King’s portrayal of Tally is largely faithful to the source material, some elements of the book’s intricate world-building are glossed over. The novel’s rich exploration of societal critique is flattened in favour of a more straightforward narrative.

However, as a YA sci-fi adventure, the film still captures the main essence of Westerfeld’s world and the struggles of its characters.

Cliffhanger Ending and Potential Sequels

The movie ends on a cliffhanger, clearly setting up for potential sequels. However, whether we’ll see the continuation of Tally’s story remains uncertain. While the film has a clear path to follow, its success will likely depend on how well it resonates with younger audiences.

Should You Watch “Uglies”?

So, should you watch “Uglies”? If you’re a fan of YA dystopian films like Divergent, The Hunger Games, or The Maze Runner, you might find something to enjoy in this film. The themes of beauty, individuality, and societal control are relevant and thought-provoking, even if the film’s execution is a bit clumsy.

Joey King’s performance as Tally is a highlight, and the cast does a good job with the material they’re given. However, the movie struggles with pacing, visual effects, and a somewhat uneven tone.

In short, “Uglies” is worth watching if you’re a fan of the genre or the original books, but don’t go in expecting a masterpiece. It’s a solid YA dystopian flick with a relevant message, even if it doesn’t fully live up to its potential.

Should You Watch Joey King’s “Uglies”? A Netflix Must-See or Miss?

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