Joey King Shines in Netflix’s Dystopian Sci-Fi ‘Uglies’ Adaptation

Netflix has just unveiled the trailer for its highly anticipated film adaptation of Uglies, the dystopian novel by Scott Westerfeld. Set to premiere on September 13, the film promises to bring Westerfeld’s futuristic world to life with a compelling narrative and a star-studded cast.

The trailer introduces us to Tally Youngblood, portrayed by Joey King, a teenager navigating life in a society where turning 16 means undergoing a transformative cosmetic procedure to achieve “perfection.” As Tally eagerly anticipates her upcoming transformation, she reflects, “All my life, I wanted to be pretty. I thought it would change everything. I hope that’s still true.” This introspective line sets the tone for the film, hinting at its exploration of beauty standards and the pressures of societal conformity.

Joining Joey King is Chase Stokes as Peris, Tally’s best friend who has already undergone the life-altering surgery. Keith Powers stars as David, a member of a rebellious group known as The Smoke, who reject the cosmetic procedure and live a simpler life outside the confines of the city. Brianne Tju plays Shay, Tally’s friend who introduces her to an alternative way of living, questioning the true cost of societal “perfection.” Laverne Cox rounds out the cast as Dr. Cable, the powerful figure overseeing the cosmetic transformations.

The trailer showcases the dystopian society’s obsession with beauty, highlighted by a ceremonial event where a hologram of Dr. Cable reassures the citizens: “All the flaws you have today will be gone tomorrow with one elegant procedure.” However, the narrative takes a darker turn as Shay begins to challenge these ideals, warning Tally that the surgery is more than just a physical change—it’s a means of control. “You get the surgery, they tell you what to do, and that’s it,” Shay says, hinting at the deeper issues of conformity and loss of individuality.

David, portrayed by Keith Powers, leads The Smoke, a group of individuals who have chosen to live outside the city’s rigid norms. Their lifestyle offers a stark contrast to the glossy perfection promised by Dr. Cable and the society at large, adding tension to the storyline as Tally grapples with her choices.

Directed by McG and scripted by Jacob Forman, Vanessa Taylor, and Whit Anderson, Uglies delves into the complexities of societal expectations versus individual freedom. Joey King, who also serves as an executive producer on the film, brings her experience from past projects such as The Act and the upcoming series We Were the Lucky Ones, adding depth to her portrayal of Tally Youngblood.

As fans eagerly await the film’s release, the trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into the movie’s thought-provoking themes and visually stunning world. With its timely exploration of beauty, identity, and resistance, Uglies is poised to be a significant addition to Netflix’s lineup.

Mark your calendars for September 13, when Uglies makes its debut on Netflix, and prepare to be captivated by a story that questions the true cost of perfection.