Uglies

Why 'Uglies' is the Netflix Dystopian Drama You Might Want to Skip!

With a rocky reception and a slew of clichés, Netflix's 'Uglies' might just be the most forgettable YA adaptation yet!

Netflix’s latest release, ‘Uglies,’ has landed with a thud, leaving viewers scratching their heads and wondering what the fuss is all about. Based on Scott Westerfeld's well-loved 2005 novel, the film trades character depth for flashy visuals, but unfortunately, it feels more like a stale retread of familiar young-adult dystopian tropes. With a premise centered around a future where beauty is enforced through surgery, it sets the stage for deep social commentary that never quite comes to fruition. Instead, audiences are treated to a showcase of plot holes and disjointed ideas that make it hard to stay engaged.

While the critics have poured cold water on the film, there's a silver lining for some. With a cast headlined by Joey King and Chase Stokes, who play Tally and Peris, there are glimpses of potential—particularly in their chemistry and the struggle of teenagers navigating a society obsessed with looks. Yet, even this is marred by the film’s heavy reliance on dated clichés typical of the genre. Those who seek a fresh take might feel let down by the predictable character arcs and the lack of originality in storytelling.

As news swirls around the potential for a sequel, ‘Uglies 2’—or ‘Pretties’ as it would be titled—hopes to salvage some of what’s left. Fans have been left on the edge of their seats, wondering if they will give the franchise another shot to redeem itself. Given this clunky start, it’s a tough sell, but the prospect of diving deeper into the storyline of Tally and what lies beyond the horrors of societal beauty standards could still reel some viewers back in.

On a brighter note, amid all the criticism, the director McG reflects on his connection with Joey King, likening it to past collaborations with A-list stars. He seems hopeful for the future of this franchise, stating that it could lead to something more compelling in the sequels. The film even sparked a conversation about beauty standards among teens, a topic that, while poorly executed, is worth discussing in this age of filters and social media. Will ‘Uglies’ ever rise from the ashes? Only time will tell, and perhaps a sprinkle of creativity could certainly help!

Fun Fact: The film is being compared to other doomed YA adaptations like ‘The Maze Runner’ and ‘Divergent’, which struggled with similar issues of depth and execution. And did you know that ‘Uglies’ was by far the most controversial release for Netflix this year, showing how fickle the YA genre can be? Critics and fans alike are left wondering if the sequel will be a hit or another ‘ugly’ disappointment!