Uglies viewers point out confusing detail in new Netflix fantasy movie
‘If they are ugly, we are in trouble’ wrote one fan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Netflix users have pointed out an odd detail about new movie fantasy film Uglies.
The film has shot to the top of the charts on the streaming service since it was released on Friday (13 September).
Starring Joey King, Chase Stokes, Keith Powers and Laverne Cox, it is set in a dystopian future where people are divided into two camps: Pretties and Uglies. Everyone is forced to have cosmetic surgery at the age of 16 to ensure there are no divisions in society as long as everybody is “perfect”.
Directed by Terminator Salvation and Charlie’s Angels director McG, the movie is based on the novel by Scott Westerfield. It follows Tally Youngblood (played by King) as she discovers the underbelly of the world of the “Pretties”.
But Netlfix users have pointed out a glaring problem with the whole concept.
“Man, if they are ugly, we are in trouble!” wrote one person on X/Twitter as many called out the film for starring conventionally attractive people and calling them “ugly”.
“But they are pretty and handsome, I guess natural beauty,” commented one confused person.
“If these beautiful people are deemed ugly by Netflix producers, then we are doomed as a society,” wrote another.
Sharing a picture of the four main characters, one viewer added sarcastically, “These supposed to be…The Uglies?”
Others said that the inclusion of people who were in fact not “ugly”, took opportunities away from those who potentially were.
“They’re taking away roles from ugly ppl, not fair,” chimed in another, while one viewer quipped sarcastically: “Yeah they are hideous! Maybe they are ugly inside!”
“Good, it’s like in the 80s when all ugly nerdy girls was really hot in the movies, but they wore a silly hat or glasses that they took off in the ending scene and became 10s,” added another commenting on the fact that in the movie the characters’ transformation is enabled through the help of a procedure that many have said is akin to the “yassify filter” on Instagram and Snapchat.
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
Enjoy unlimited access to 100 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music
Sign up now for a 4 month free trial (3 months for non-Prime members)
But others said the point was being missed as the actual features of the people starring in the film were not the point.
“It was actually a decent movie. Ugly in the movie is mainly because they haven’t had the surgery.”
Uglies is streaming on Netflix
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments