Netflix has just unveiled the official trailer for Uglies, a dystopian sci-fi film adapted from Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 YA novel of the same name (the first in a series of books, so you can expect a franchise if this does well). Take a look above.
Set in a futuristic society where everyone undergoes cosmetic surgery at 16 to achieve an ideal appearance, the story follows Tally, portrayed by Joey King (A Family Affair, The Kissing Booth). Eager to join the newly transformed society, Tally’s plans take a detour when a friend’s disappearance forces her on a mission that challenges everything she believed.
Joey King’s journey with Uglies began over a decade ago. “What’s crazy is my excitement for the story has been at the same level since I was 11 years old,” she shared with Netflix site Tudum. King’s fascination with the tale started when she was home sick and her sister handed her the book. “She was like, ‘Just read the first chapter and if you don’t wanna continue, then you don’t have to,’” King recounted. Captivated, she soon envisioned herself as Tally Youngblood, and her dream has now come to fruition as she not only stars in but also executive produces the film.
In Uglies, appearances reign supreme. “Basically what happens is, you’re afforded a surgery when you turn 16 years old so you can look any way you want to look,” explained director McG, whose credits include 2000’s Charlie’s Angels, This Means War, and Netflix’s fantastic 2017 release, The Babysitter. “It’s the belief of the society that if we all look the way we want, you can eradicate conflict.”
Despite its 2005 publication, King believes the story’s relevance has grown. “I think it is super relevant that we’re making this now,” she noted. McG echoed this sentiment, emphasising the film’s commentary on modern beauty standards and social media pressures. “The film’s really about beauty as interior,” he said, highlighting the societal obsession with filters and edited perfection.
The film’s cast includes Keith Powers (Straight Outta Compton, #REALITYHIGH), Chase Stokes (Outer Banks, Stranger Things), Brianne Tju (Light as a Feather, 47 Meters Down: Uncaged), Jan Luis Castellanos (13 Reasons Why, Tall Girl 2), Charmin Lee (The 5th Wave, Parenthood), and Laverne Cox (Orange Is the New Black, Doubt).
Uglies will be streaming on Netflix from September 13th.
