A new Netflix original came out Sept. 13 titled “Uglies.” It is a movie adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel which is also titled the same name. This flick explores a world where beauty standards control how the rest of society treats you.
It is rated PG-13 and directed by McG who also directed the films “Charlie’s Angels” and “Terminator Salvation.” The Netflix original is cast with popular actors such as Joey King from “The Kissing Booth” and Chase Stokes, who stars in the popular Netflix show “Outer Banks.”
The movie takes place in a futuristic/dystopian world where cosmetic surgery at 16 is encouraged for everyone to get, so they will no longer be an “Ugly.”The ideal lifestyle is to be a “Pretty” where life is without judgment and insecurity.
Tally, portrayed by Joey King, has been awaiting her surgery with her childhood best friend Peris. Peris receives his surgery a month before Tally’s 16th birthday and leaves the dorms to stay in the city where the “Pretties” live.
Tally befriends a girl named Shay who informs Tally about “The Smoke” and a man named David. Tally had always thought they were myths, but Shay shows her that he and “The Smoke” are real and they believe in a world where beauty is on the inside. Shay tries to convince Tally to go with her, but ultimately Tally refuses. Tally wants to become a “Pretty” because she is tired of feeling less-than.
The leader of their city, Dr. Cable, finds out about Shay’s disappearance on the day of Tally’s scheduled surgery. Dr. Cable assigns Tally with the mission of finding Shay and “The Smoke,” so she can uncover the hidden secrets about them.
The movie is full of action, betrayal, twists and even a touch of romance. The pace of it was surprisingly fast, and it dives into the plot rather quickly. This flick has the ability to keep audiences intrigued and on the edge of their seats.
This Netflix original left many viewers with the question of whether a sequel will be in the works in the future. Scott Westerfeld wrote three books in the “Uglies” series, so perhaps fans can expect two additional movies to come out to help resolve the ending.
by Lexus Hall
