“Uglies (2024) Movie Review: The Dystopian Drama and Where to Watch Online”
The 2010s were dominated by young adult (YA) dystopian franchises like The Hunger Games, Divergent, and The Maze Runner. These films captivated audiences with their high-stakes action, complex societies, and rebellious protagonists. Now, almost a decade later, Uglies (2024), based on Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel, makes its debut on Netflix. Directed by McG (Charlie’s Angels, The Babysitter), this film explores a society where physical beauty has become the ultimate equalizer. But can Uglies reclaim the magic of its dystopian predecessors, or does it feel out of place in today’s cinematic landscape?
Plot Overview
In the world of Uglies, society has found a disturbing solution to world peace: a universal beauty standard. Upon turning 16, every individual undergoes a life-altering surgery that transforms them into a “Pretty,” erasing all physical flaws. The protagonist, Tally Youngblood (played by Joey King), can’t wait for her turn to be transformed. She eagerly awaits her upcoming procedure, especially after her best friend, Peris (Chase Stokes), undergoes his and becomes distant and dismissive.
However, Tally’s enthusiasm is shaken when she meets Shay (Brianne Tju), a fellow “Ugly” who rebels against the system. Shay introduces Tally to the “Smoke,” a group of outcasts who reject the enforced beauty standards. As Tally is forced by the government’s Dr. Cable (Laverne Cox) to infiltrate the Smoke, she begins questioning everything she once believed about beauty, equality, and freedom. The journey leads Tally to uncover secrets about the Pretty world and ultimately find herself at a crossroads between conformity and rebellion.
Themes and Relevance
The concept of altering one’s appearance to fit societal norms resonates more today than ever. In 2024, as we navigate a world obsessed with social media filters, cosmetic surgery, and unattainable beauty standards, Uglies presents an eerily relevant conversation. However, while the film’s central thesis about the dangers of superficiality is potent, its execution is uneven.
Much like other YA dystopias, Uglies highlights issues of control, identity, and rebellion. But where movies like The Hunger Games or Divergent dive deep into the emotional and societal complexities of their worlds, Uglies struggles to fully develop its universe or characters. The commentary on beauty, while timely, is presented in a superficial way that fails to delve into deeper psychological or societal critiques.
Performances
Joey King shines in her portrayal of Tally Youngblood, giving the character a relatable vulnerability and spunk that carry the film. Tally’s internal struggle as she moves from eagerly anticipating her Pretty transformation to questioning the system’s ethics is well-executed by King’s performance.
Laverne Cox as Dr. Cable brings a chilling, authoritarian presence to the screen, though her character lacks nuance. Dr. Cable’s sinister motives are clear, but the film doesn’t offer much depth to her villainy, leaving Cox’s performance feeling underutilized.
Chase Stokes as Peris and Brianne Tju as Shay also provide solid performances, though both characters lack the development necessary to make their arcs truly impactful. Stokes, in particular, struggles to convincingly portray a 16-year-old, as the 31-year-old actor feels miscast in the role.
Visuals and World-Building
Visually, Uglies tries to convey its dystopian future through slick CGI and neon-lit cityscapes, but the result is often more style than substance. The Pretty world feels artificial and glossy, a reflection of the movie’s themes, but the production design lacks the depth and grit that would make the world feel lived-in.
While The Hunger Games and Divergent created visually arresting societies with distinct cultural norms and histories, Uglies doesn’t explore its world in enough detail to make it memorable. The CGI-heavy environments and over-lit scenes often detract from the film’s emotional weight, leaving it feeling hollow.
Script and Pacing
The film’s pacing is rushed, jumping quickly from one plot point to the next without allowing enough time for the audience to fully understand or connect with the story. The script, written by Vanessa Taylor (Divergent), Jacob Forman, and Whit Anderson, feels like a patchwork of familiar YA tropes: a rebellious teen, a controlling government, and a love interest with a mysterious past. Unfortunately, these elements don’t coalesce into a compelling narrative.
Tally’s character arc is predictable, and the plot twists—while present—fail to evoke much surprise or intrigue. The film’s lack of world-building and character development prevents it from reaching the heights of its predecessors in the YA dystopian genre.
Where to Watch Uglies Online
Uglies is now available for streaming on Netflix. Given Netflix’s massive global reach, viewers in the U.S. and across the world can easily access the movie. Here are some details on where you can watch Uglies online:
Streaming Platforms:
- Netflix: Uglies is a Netflix Original, and as such, it’s available exclusively on Netflix. If you have a subscription, you can watch it now on the platform.
- VPN Services: If you’re outside of the U.S. or a region where Netflix offers Uglies, you may use a reliable VPN service to access the U.S. Netflix catalog.
Unfortunately, as of now, Uglies is not available on other streaming services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, or Disney+. However, given Netflix’s dominant position, it’s accessible to a vast audience worldwide.
Final Thoughts
Uglies (2024) had the potential to reignite the YA dystopian genre with its timely themes about beauty, equality, and societal control. However, its underdeveloped script, rushed pacing, and lackluster world-building prevent it from reaching its full potential. While Joey King delivers a compelling performance, the film ultimately feels more like a throwback to the genre’s heyday than a fresh, modern take.
For fans of YA dystopian adaptations, Uglies might still offer a nostalgic trip back to the days of The Hunger Games and Divergent. However, it lacks the depth and innovation needed to stand out in 2024’s crowded streaming landscape. With its superficial execution and over-reliance on CGI, Uglies leaves much to be desired—but for a quick binge, it’s available now on Netflix.
