Uglies (2024)
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2025-09 to 2026-08
In a dystopian future, teenagers must undergo extensive cosmetic surgery to transition from 'Uglies' to 'Pretties,' a process that hides a darker truth about human free will.
The story
In a future post-apocalyptic society, humanity survives using genetically modified orchids for energy and a mandatory surgical procedure that enhances the appearance and fitness of teenagers at age sixteen. This transformation turns 'Uglies' into 'Pretties,' ostensibly to prevent prejudice. Tally, an Ugly, and her best friend Peris share a secret vow to keep a scar on their hands despite the surgery. When Tally sneaks into the city and discovers Peris has already changed, she is caught by the Wardens. She eventually meets a rebel named Shay, who encourages her to reject the surgery and seek out a land of freedom called The Smoke.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
In a world exhausted of natural resources, scientists created genetically modified orchids for energy and a surgical procedure to enhance humans, turning 'Uglies' into 'Pretties' to eliminate discrimination. Tally and her friend Peris vow to keep a scar on their hands as a symbol of friendship before Peris undergoes surgery. After Tally sneaks into the city and finds Peris has removed the scar, she is captured and meets Shay, who invites her to join 'The Smoke' rebels. Tally is eventually sent as a spy to The Smoke by Dr. Cable, who claims the rebel leader David is dangerous. In The Smoke, Tally learns the orchid energy is toxic and the surgeries are designed to limit human free will, making Pretties easily controlled. David's parents fled after discovering this truth and are working on a cure. When Dr. Cable arrives to round up rebels, Peris (now an enhanced soldier) kills David's father. Tally is revealed as a traitor but convinces David to help her rescue captured rebels. During the rescue, Shay is captured and undergoes the procedure, becoming oblivious to her past. David kills Peris after he touches Tally's face. Tally volunteers to undergo the surgery to test David's mother's cure, swearing to maintain her drive for justice. The film ends with Tally living as a Pretty in the city, her scar still remaining.
- First release year
- 2024
- Runtime (minutes)
- 102
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- McG
- Writers
- Jacob Forman · screenplay; Vanessa Taylor · screenplay; Whit Anderson · screenplay
- Cast and characters
- Joey King · Tally Youngblood; Keith Powers; Chase Stokes; Brianne Tju; Jan Luis Castellanos; Charmin Lee; Laverne Cox
- Genres
- science fiction; drama
- Themes
- Human free will; Control vs. Freedom; Beauty standards; Environmental destruction
- Tone and mood
- Dystopian; Action; Dramatic
- Premise and plot tags
- Dystopian; Science Fiction; Young Adult; Post-Apocalyptic
- Source material / true-story basis
- novel of the same name by Scott Westerfeld
- Franchise connections
- Uglies
- Reception
- The film received negative reviews from critics, with Metacritic assigning it a 'generally unfavorable' rating. Reviews highlighted its worn-out tropes and infantile feel, though some praised the direction, visuals, and lead performance.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 34 · scale: 100 · review count: 15
- Production trivia
- The film was originally announced for development in 2006.; Production took place in Atlanta in December 2021.; The film amassed 20 million views in its first three days.
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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