Netflix has officially graced us with a new young adult film titled Uglies (based on a popular novel) that basically attempts to reignite the YA craze that dominated an era of cinema. And while there’s definitely some fun to be had with this quirky iteration, it’s not exactly the next Hunger Games or Maze Runner.

Another Entertaining, Absent-Minded Young Adult Adaptation

Netflix’s latest release, Uglies, directed by McG and based on Scott Westerfeld’s popular young adult novel, attempts to capture the essence of a dystopian future where beauty is mandated by society. The film, starring Joey King as Tally Youngblood and Keith Powers as David, brings to life a world where turning 16 means undergoing a compulsory operation to become “pretty.”

Tally, a teenager eagerly awaiting her 16th birthday, is at the center of the film counting down the days until she can transform from an “Ugly” to a “Pretty.” However, her journey takes a turn when she meets Shay, who introduces her to the rebellious group known as “The Smoke.” As Tally uncovers the dark truth behind the pretty operation, she must decide whether to conform or fight against the oppressive system.

It has elements of youth, rebellion, self-wroth, and plenty of yassify filters —making this another angsty YA story that feels in line with several of its polarizing book-to-film predecessors. Because, while these themes feel necessary and relevant, they are so unseriously crafted that you can’t help but enjoy this accidentally mindless form of entertainment.

Campy Strengths and Weaknesses

In some instances, Uglies embraces its campy nature, which can be both a strength and a weakness. On one hand, the film’s campiness adds a layer of charm and entertainment value as these characters look forward to their Real Housewives-style facelifts in a fictional sci-fi reality. The exaggerated stakes, dramatic plot twists, and flamboyant costumes create a unique viewing experience that is undeniably fun — from the social division to the film’s ability to disarm viewers while randomly throwing out labels.

However, the film’s campiness also detracts from its ability to convey serious concepts. The underlying message about societal beauty standards and the dangers of conformity is often overshadowed by the film’s exaggerated style. The script, written by Jacob Forman, Vanessa Taylor, and Whit Anderson, spens the majority of its time struggling to balance the campy elements with the more profound aspects of the story. As a result, the film’s social commentary feels diluted and less impactful. Though, it does make its source material feel a little more compelling thankfully.

Underwhelming Pacing

The plot of Uglies follows the basic structure of the source material but suffers from uneven pacing and execution. The first act, which introduces the dystopian world and Tally’s anticipation of the pretty operation, is engaging and sets up the story well. However, as the film progresses, the narrative becomes increasingly disjointed. The transition from Tally’s life as an “Ugly” to her involvement with “The Smoke” feels rushed, leaving little time for character development. Still, she does have that traitor-esque arc, which is one of the protagonist’s more defining characteristics (and that can be somewhat polarizing).

The film’s climax, where Tally confronts Dr. Cable and the truth about the pretty operation is revealed, lacks the emotional weight it needs to rationalize the film’s weight. The resolution then feels hurried to create a sequel premise (which we do kind of want, honestly), but some of those on-a-whim answers to characters’ motivations are not fully conveyed when it comes to an end. In essence, this semi-rushed pacing undermines the film’s ability to build tension and deliver a satisfying conclusion. But they did intrigue us with that ridiculous final moment of a yassified Tally.

Surface-Level Character Development

The performances in Uglies are a mixed bag. Joey King delivers a reliable performance as Tally, capturing her character’s internal conflict and determination. Additionally, Brianne Tju shines as Shay, living up to the star’s commendable performances in projects like MTV’s Scream, or Prime’s I Know What You Did Last Summer. So needless to say, the film (and potential franchise) could easily benefit from more of Tju.

Laverne Cox’s portrayal of Dr. Cable is also a highlight, bringing a sense of menace and charisma to the role. However, even these performances cannot fully compensate for the film’s shortcomings in surface-level character development after films like Maze Runner explored these types of “villains” more efficiently. Furthermore, the film’s focus on a lackluster beauty war and campy young adult elements often comes at the expense of crafting meaningful character arcs. But it’s almost a decent film underneath the chaos!

Score: 5.5/10

At its best, Uglies feels like a nostalgic trip back to the early 2010s young adult dystopian craze. At its worst, well, it still feels like a 2010s young adult title—take that as you will.