Joey King’s portrayal of Tally Youngblood in Netflix’s Uglies is the culmination of a decade-long dream. Since she was 11, King had been drawn to Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 dystopian novel, and now she brings that passion to life on screen—not just as the lead actor, but as an executive producer, guiding the project with a personal connection that spans years.
The story unfolds in a future where societal harmony is supposedly achieved through mandatory cosmetic surgery at 16, turning “Uglies” into flawless “Pretties.” But this utopian facade cracks when Tally’s friend rebels against the system, leading Tally to question everything she once wanted. In her role as Tally, King delivers a deeply emotional performance, showing a character whose internal struggle mirrors the societal pressures she faces.
Director McG brings a visual vibrancy to the world of Uglies, making this dystopian tale feel both immersive and eerily familiar. The film captures the essence of modern societal pressures—especially in the age of social media, where filtered beauty often masks deeper insecurities. As McG explains, Uglies isn’t just about external transformation, but a deeper exploration of identity and self-acceptance. “It’s a moment to say, ‘Take a deep breath, work on your inner game, love people for who they are, and accept yourself for who you are,’” McG said, adding a relatable social commentary on our obsession with appearances.
Supporting King are performances from Chase Stokes, Keith Powers, and Brianne Tju, who round out the cast in this futuristic battle between conformity and individuality. Stokes, in particular, shines as Peris, Tally’s childhood friend, whose transformation into a Pretty serves as a poignant reminder of the costs of blind acceptance.
Westerfeld’s novel comes to life with the same energy and fun that endeared it to readers. From hoverboards to bungee-jacket jumps, the film doesn’t shy away from the adventurous spirit of the book, blending moments of excitement with deeper messages about individuality and freedom. As Westerfeld himself noted, Uglies might be set in a dystopia, but it’s full of people “having fun anyway.”
But the heart of Uglies lies in Tally’s journey of self-discovery. King’s portrayal of Tally is multifaceted: from a young girl desperate to conform, to a rebel who risks everything for a cause greater than herself. Her ultimate sacrifice—choosing to become a Pretty to infiltrate the system and save her friends—cements her as a heroic figure who fights not just for herself, but for the freedom of others.
Uglies tackles issues that are more relevant than ever. As King said, “What’s amazing to me about Tally is that she has such an open heart and such an amazing spirit that with all the information that she was fed about this surgery… she’s able to be open enough to say, ‘What if we did fight for humanity?’”
With its high-stakes drama, visually captivating world, and a powerful message about inner beauty, Uglies offers a fresh take on the dystopian genre. Fans of the book will appreciate the film’s faithfulness to its source material, while new audiences will find its themes deeply resonant in today’s beauty-obsessed world.
Ultimately, Uglies leaves us with a powerful message: “We’re not Uglies. We’re not Pretties. We’re just people.”