Book to Screen: “Uglies”
A Dystopian Journey of Beauty, Betrayal, and Rebellion
The highly anticipated movie adaptation of “Uglies”, based on the first book in Scott Westerfeld’s popular science fiction quartet, is set to arrive on Netflix on September 13. Starring Joey King, Chase Stokes, and Keith Powers, the film brings to life the dystopian world Westerfeld imagined, where society’s obsession with beauty becomes the foundation for control, rebellion, and moral conflict.
At the heart of “Uglies” is 15-year-old Tally, a young girl living in a dystopian society where people are classified as "ugly" between the ages of 12 and 16. At 16, they are taken to the city to undergo a radical cosmetic transformation, turning them into "pretties." This surgical process doesn’t just make them beautiful by societal standards—it gives them flawless skin, perfect eyes, and ideal height. The world Tally lives in values physical beauty above all, and being pretty is seen as the ultimate achievement, ensuring social acceptance and a better life.
Tally eagerly awaits her transformation, especially since most of her friends have already turned 16 and left for the city. As one of the youngest in her school year, she feels increasingly isolated, consumed by the desire to become pretty. However, her life takes a turn when she befriends Shay, a girl with a very different view on the world. Shay rejects the notion of becoming pretty and reveals her plans to escape to a rebel group known as "The Smoke," a community of people who have resisted the surgery and live in the wilderness.
Tally is initially horrified by the idea of living ugly forever, unable to understand why anyone would choose to defy the societal norm. But when Shay goes missing, her absence is quickly noticed by the authorities—particularly the "Specials," a group of surgically enhanced pretties tasked with maintaining order. The Specials give Tally an ultimatum: either lead them to Shay and the other rebels, or she will never be allowed to undergo the surgery and become pretty.
Forced into a moral dilemma, Tally embarks on a journey to find Shay and the rebels, all while grappling with her own desires and values. The deeper she ventures into the world of the Smoke, the more she begins to question the society she has grown up in. Tally’s internal conflict intensifies as she confronts the harsh realities of a world where beauty is not only a status symbol but a form of control. Can she betray her friend for the promise of beauty, or will she discover that being "pretty" comes at a far greater cost than she ever imagined?
Westerfeld’s novel skillfully tackles themes of beauty, identity, and societal pressure, making “Uglies” not only a gripping dystopian story but also a commentary on our own world’s obsession with appearances. The book draws comparisons to “The Hunger Games” with its focus on teenage protagonists resisting an oppressive regime, but it also weaves in themes of environmentalism, touching on how wasteful and destructive society’s pursuit of perfection can be.
Tally is a relatable protagonist, and her struggle to reconcile her deeply ingrained desire for beauty with her evolving sense of self is compelling. Her journey in “Uglies” is one of self-discovery, moral questioning, and rebellion against a society that prioritizes superficial perfection. As the story unfolds, the central question remains: Is being pretty really worth the price of conformity and betrayal?
With its fast-paced plot, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, “Uglies” is sure to resonate with both fans of the book and new audiences when it debuts on Netflix this September. Whether viewers are drawn to its dystopian narrative or its deeper exploration of societal values, “Uglies” offers an engaging and visually stunning cinematic experience.