? Uglies attempts to revive the YA-dystopian genre — with mixed results. Based on Scott Westerfeld's mid-2000s novel, the film explores a futuristic society where people undergo a surgical transformation to become perfect citizens in a new world where conflict and war are nonexistent.

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The story centers on Tally Youngblood (Joey King), an "Ugly" who is awaiting her surgery to become a "Pretty." The Pretties live in a glamified city, enjoying parties and aesthetic perfection, while Uglies are confined to dull, gray quarters across the bridge. Tally's best friend, Peris (Chase Stokes), has already undergone the procedure, leaving her behind after promising to reunite. Enter Shay (Brianne Tju), a new friend who introduces Tally to rebellious ideas and a mysterious community called The Smoke, where a group of resistors, led by the charismatic David (Keith Powers), live free from the constraints of this beauty-obsessed world.

As Tally gets closer to her surgery date, she's recruited by Dr. Cable (Laverne Cox) to infiltrate The Smoke and report back on the rebels. Torn between the allure of a perfect life and the realization that perfection may come at too high a cost, Tally faces an ultimatum.

Should you watch it? If you enjoy narratives of rebellious youths challenging a corrupt system while navigating personal growth, this film is a passable watch. It touches on relevant discussions about societal beauty standards and individuality, which might offer a thought-provoking watch for some.

However, if you're fatigued by the formula, it doesn’t stray far from the genre’s clichés. The plot is predictable, and the themes of inner beauty versus superficiality feel a bit overplayed — it may be even as superficial as the Pretties.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the film on Netflix or watch the trailer (runtime: 2:46).

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