**A hollow and frustrating teen adaptation set in a future where beauty reigns supreme, Uglies stands out as one of the year's most forgettable films**
Hollywood's rush for young adult dystopian franchises, from *The Hunger Games* to *Divergent*, may have slowed in recent years, but *Uglies*, Netflix's new adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel, arrives feeling woefully out of place. Directed by McG (*Babysitter: Killer Queen*), the film desperately tries to recapture the magic of its YA predecessors, enlisting *Divergent* screenwriter Vanessa Taylor, along with Jacob Forman and Whit Anderson, to script a story that broadly touches on common dystopian themes like identity, values, and understanding the real enemy.
While the topic of beauty standards and plastic surgery remains relevant in 2024, *Uglies* fails to convey its message effectively. The film awkwardly presents its dystopian world, where a post-apocalyptic society is ruled by an elite class of "Pretties" in a gaudy capital city, surrounded by ruins. Production design relies heavily on flashy CGI, resulting in a shallow and unconvincing visual experience.
The story follows Tally Youngblood (played by Joey King), who, after being left behind by her best friend Peris (Chase Stokes), seeks to undergo a mandatory transformation at 16 to become a "Pretty." However, when she befriends a rebellious student, Shay (Brianne Tju), and is tasked by the sinister Dr. Cable (Laverne Cox) to spy on a group of outsiders, Tally begins to question the system she’s a part of.
Despite some promising setups, the film's characters and plot fall flat. King tries to bring energy to the role, but even her charisma can’t elevate the shallow script. With outdated tropes, forced allegories, and lifeless dialogue, *Uglies* feels synthetic and uninspired, ultimately becoming just another forgettable Netflix release.
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