Uglies review – Netflix's lackluster and outdated YA dystopian film falls short of expectations.

It’s been several years since Hollywood’s surge in young adult dystopian franchises, from *The Hunger Games* to *Divergent* to *The Maze Runner*. This makes *Uglies*, Netflix’s new adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel aimed at launching a new trilogy, feel somewhat outdated. The film, directed by McG (known for *Netflix’s Babysitter: Killer Queen*), attempts to evoke its predecessors, hiring *Divergent* screenwriter Vanessa Taylor, along with Jacob Forman and Whit Anderson, to craft a script that broadly tackles familiar dystopian YA themes: physical and emotional transformation, staying true to one's values, and identifying the true enemy.

While *Uglies* deserves credit for addressing the contemporary relevance of plastic surgery and body modification in 2024, it delivers its messages in an awkward, laughably unconvincing manner. Echoing *The Hunger Games*, the film portrays a dystopian society ruled from a brightly colored capital city amidst desolation, with the elite distinguishable by their attire, makeup, and physical appearance. However, the production design, primarily reliant on CGI effects, fails to make a strong impression. After a cringe-worthy exposition from star Joey King about the oil crisis that led to the apocalypse, the mysterious flower that "saved everything" (??), and the mandatory “transformation” every citizen undergoes at 16, the story shifts to the boarding school dormitory of King’s character, Tally Youngblood.

The film follows Tally and Shay on a dynamic journey as they challenge and reject the beauty standards and values of their dystopian world. According to Tju, this storyline serves as an apt reflection of today's obsession with social media, filters, and cosmetic enhancements.

Tju notes, "This movie serves as a valuable reminder to critically examine our automatic behaviors and obligations, such as adhering to trends in beauty standards or using filters and Facetune on our Instagram posts."

Of course! Here’s the translation:

**Context of the Adaptation**: The Netflix adaptation of *Uglies* represents an attempt to revive interest in young adult dystopian franchises, which were popular in the 2010s. The film seeks to capture the same spirit that made *The Hunger Games* and *Divergent* successful, but it may be facing challenges due to changes in genre trends and audience reception.

**Critical Reception**: Reviews have generally been negative, highlighting a lack of innovation and poor execution of the plot. Many critics point out that the film fails to stand out or bring anything new to the dystopian genre, featuring themes and elements that are already overused.

**Relevant Themes**: The film tackles relevant issues such as pressure to meet beauty standards and the impact of social media on self-image. However, the execution of these themes has been considered superficial and ineffective, with the message not coming across strongly.

**Production and Design**: The film’s production, especially its use of CGI, has been criticized for failing to create a visually impactful environment. Comparisons to the more robust productions of earlier films may have led to additional disappointment among viewers and critics.

**Impact on Young Audiences**: Despite the criticism, the film may still resonate with young audiences who are familiar with the themes addressed, especially those interested in issues related to beauty standards and identity in the digital age.

In addition to the critical issues faced by *Uglies*, it's important to note the team involved in the production. The film is directed by McG, known for his work on *The Babysitter: Killer Queen* and *Charlie’s Angels*. McG's involvement may have been an attempt to bring a dynamic and visually stylish approach to the material, but the reception suggests that the outcome did not meet the expected level of innovation.

The screenplay was co-written by Vanessa Taylor, known for her work on *Divergent*, along with Jacob Forman and Whit Anderson. Taylor's involvement, in particular, had generated expectations that the film might offer a fresh perspective on dystopian themes. However, the execution of the script failed to meet these expectations, resulting in a film that many consider a reiteration of previously explored ideas.

As *Uglies* struggles to stand out in a saturated market, the film also faces the challenge of connecting with a new generation of viewers. Despite the criticism, the creative team and adaptation have the opportunity to reflect on the feedback received and explore ways to revitalize the franchise for future releases, should the audience respond positively to these efforts.