Uglies: Dystopian Reflection on Beauty


“Uglies,” the movie Netflix release adapted from Scott Westerfeld’s best-selling young adult dystopian novel, hit screens on September 13. This film will most definitely spur discussions about societal beauty requirements, a theme that certainly strikes home in today’s image-conscious world. Its relevance cannot be overstated, given how social media and other platforms continuously reinforce unat- tainable beauty standards, par- ticularly for young people.

Helmed by McGinty Nichol whose credits include “The Babysitter” and “Termination Salvation,” the film gives a new, inter- estingspin.Theprotagonist, Tally Youngblood, is played by Joey King, best known for her work in “The Kissing Booth” and “The Act.”

It’s set in a future where all teens have to undergo surgery to become ‘pretty’ at age 16. While this perfected physical change will supposedly allow for societal acceptance, there is a huge trade-off involved in individuality and self-expres-sion.

This story’s root is Tally’s personal struggle between her need to be like everybody else and her need to be unique. The movie does make one reflect upon his or her perception of beauty and societal expecta- tion since such great pressure is onto this transformation as part of the “Pretties.” The jour- ney Tally embarks upon sym- bolizes a universal battle many face in trying to belong while retaining a distinctive identity.

The film has an outstand- ing ensemble cast, including “Outer Banks” Chase Stokes and “Orange Is the New Black” Laverne Cox. Stokes brings nu- ance to Tally’s inner turmoil, and Cox really deepens things and brings gravitas, rounding out this very dystopian atmo- sphere. Together, they raise the emotional stakes and make Tally’s journey more than real: it is poignant.

Visually, Uglies is a master- piece-dazzling array of stun- ning cinematography cap- turing the sterile perfection of the world it depicts. From sleek, futuristic cityscapes to the jarring contrast between the “Pretty” world and the raw, untouched environment of the “Uglies,” the aesthetic of the movie acts as a chilling re- minder of the price we pay for the standards of beauty that society enforces on us.

Beyond the surface lev- el, however, the movie offers some salient but very subtle comments on societal judgement based upon appearance and how said judgements build a person’s perception of their self worth The #UgliesMovie hashtag is already gaining traction on social media, with viewers sharing per- sonal stories and joining in much-needed discussions on identity, beauty, and self-ac- ceptance.

Set amidst the nearly un- avoidable definition of beauty, “Uglies” is a movie the world needs. It doesn’t just enter- tain; it challenges us to really rethink how we define beauty and reminds us that self-worth is not something one should measure by sight. I really do think that “Uglies: will strike a deep chord with audiences, particularly those who have so far borne the weight of so- cietal expectations. With its reflective tone, combined with striking visuals and outstand- ing performances, this film is timely and necessary in a world of pressures to fit in. Ul- timately, it encourages viewers to explore their identities and to embrace their uniqueness, fostering a deeper understand- ing of what it means to be tru- ly beautiful. In a time when the influence of social media is pervasive, “Uglies” inspires us to look beyond external ap- pearances and celebrate the di- verse qualities that make each person remarkable, showing the importance of originality.

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