In the dystopian world of “Uglies”, your physical appearance is perfected and the only emotions you feel are positivity and happiness.
Everyone loves the soft life in New Pretty Town, socialising with their kind.
The only caveat is that everything is fake. Artificial Intelligence (AI) rules a regulated world where cosmetic surgery is compulsory for everyone when they turn 16.
The Netflix movie stars Joey King and Laverne Cox in the lead. The rest of the cast includes Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju, Jan Luis Castellanos and Charmin Lee.
Directed by McG, it is based on Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel of the same name.
The sci-fi action flick is set 300 years in the future when the government enforces a mandatory rule for all its citizens to go under the knife to become a Pretty.
It centres around Tally Youngblood (King), who with her childhood best friend Peris (Stokes), dreams of the day when they will finally be attractive. She is also determined to get the surgery to reunite with her estranged parents.
The pair, who are part of the society’s outcasts known as the Uglies before their surgery, also promise each other that while their exteriors will change, they will remain the same on the inside.
As Peris undergoes the operation, he promises Tally that they will meet in a month.
When he fails to show up, she illegally gains entry into The City to check on him. She is saddened to find that he is snobbish and self-centred and wants nothing to do with her until she is a part of them.
Meanwhile, her new friend, Shay (Tju) refuses to have the surgery and runs off to an outside society called the Smoke where the people follow a different way of life. It is helmed by David (Powers), who believes in everyone just being themselves.
Just as Tally is about to get the procedure, Dr Cable (Cox) asks her to help them find Shay.
She brainwashes Tally into believing that Shay’s life is in danger and that David is a major threat to them.
Tally then embarks on a dangerous mission to locate Shay.
One Tally meets the“Smokies”, she discovers the real purpose of the surgery is to alter people's brains so they can no longer think for themselves.
Tally begins to have a new outlook on life, amidst a blossoming romance with David. She realises that it is her mind that she values over her beauty.
If you are a fan of the “Hunger Games” franchise, you will love “Uglies”.
“Uglies” will resonate with audiences worldwide as it addresses the obsession with beauty procedures, the risks of AI and the superficial nature of modern society.
It also touches on self-acceptance, inner beauty as well as the power of true friendships.
Cox impresses as she confidently steps into the stilettos of The City’s dictatorial leader.
But King, whose appearance in “Uglies” comes hot on the heels of her role in the Netflix romantic comedy, “A Family Affair”, alongside Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman, is the real star of the show.
While also leading “The Kissing Booth” film franchise, the actress's range is impressive as she can helm a comedy but also shine in a more serious role like this. She is a promising Hollywood talent whose star is poised to shine even brighter in upcoming roles.