As someone who has grown up with the original “Uglies” books by Scott Westerfeld, I must admit that I was initially skeptical about the Netflix adaptation. But, as they say, every rose has its thorns, and in this case, the changes made to the story have certainly provided a few interesting twists.
Over the past ten years, there’s been a significant rise in the number of young adult books being adapted into films. This trend has really taken off, with streaming platforms not only adding successful YA dystopian films to their collections but also transforming popular novels into movies. The most recent YA book to receive a movie adaptation from Netflix is Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 novel titled Uglies.
In a future-oriented universe, the narrative of “Uglies” unfolds around Tally Youngblood, a 16-year-old girl residing in a civilization where every child undergoes cosmetic surgery at age sixteen to become “Pretty.” Initially thrilled about her impending change, Tally starts to doubt her surroundings and the stories she’s been told about life beyond the city. Consequently, she decides to uncover the truth herself by embarking on a personal exploration.
In 2024, the Netflix adaptation of “Uglies” was tasked with bringing Westerfeld’s captivating universe to life on-screen, and Director McG was up for the challenge. Balancing the needs of devoted fans and fresh viewers, some significant adjustments were made to the original storyline. These changes streamlined the narrative in certain aspects while leaving intriguing mysteries unsolved for diehard fans to decipher. Despite these alterations, “Uglies” has set the stage for what may become a new blockbuster Young Adult series on Netflix.
These 10 big changes the Uglies movie made to the book.
10 The Use of Hoverboards in The Smoke
In Scott Westerfeld’s novel and the Netflix adaptation, hoverboards serve as essential means of travel. They maintain their levitation above cities only when there’s a metallic surface below. Tally learns about these boards from Shay, and they aid her in maneuvering tough terrains during her journey to The Smoke. However, in the movie, once Tally reaches The Smoke, no one appears to use hoverboards within the remote location.
Compared to other books, this one doesn’t just delve into the technical aspects of hoverboards, emphasizing both the excitement and risks they bring. It also portrays them as a representation of rebellion. Interestingly, even someone like David, who was raised in the wilderness, is familiar with hoverboards and knows how to operate them. In contrast, the Netflix adaptation streamlines their use, making them a more straightforward plot element.
9 Tally and Peris’ Romantic Tension
From the start of the film “Uglies,” it’s subtly suggested that Tally and Peris have a close friendship that transcends typical platonic bonds. This friendship stems from shared childhood experiences and a common goal to transform into Pretties. They even vow to retain the same scar post-surgery, a symbol of their past. Yet, neither Tally nor Peris openly acknowledge the feelings of affection they harbor for each other.
In my narrative, the book deliberately steers clear from the traditional romantic arc and instead, I, Tally, am at the heart of a transformative journey. As for Peris and me, people may assume we share something more than friendship, but as Uglies, we’ve been conditioned to believe that our feelings and thoughts are insignificant until we’re transformed into Pretties. I, for one, have chosen to disregard such speculations for now.
8 David’s Father’s Fate Is Different in the Books
In both the novel “Uglies” and its film adaptation, David’s father, Az, meets his end, but the circumstances differ greatly between the two narratives. In the books, during a raid by the city’s police force known as Special Circumstances on The Smoke, they destroy everything and capture David’s parents as hostages. Only David and Tally are able to flee this devastation. They then infiltrate the headquarters of Special Circumstances, where they discover that Az perished following Dr. Cable’s application of the Pretty procedure on him. This experiment was designed to ensure he wouldn’t disclose information about the brain lesions it causes.
In the Netflix film, following the raid, Dr. Cable’s forces arrested every member of the resistance and singled out David’s parents in the middle. Dr. Cable then commanded Peris, a nearly indestructible soldier due to modifications, to eliminate David. This scene was extremely distressing, significantly changing both the emotional flow of the story and the driving factors behind the characters’ actions.
Experiencing Az’s demise in the film intensified the feeling of sorrow and urgency within me, pushing Tally and David towards their actions. Moreover, it highlighted the lengths Dr. Cable would go to conceal the truth.
7 Dr. Cable’s Status as Governor
In the novel “Uglies,” Dr. Cable, leader of Special Circumstances – a clandestine group maintaining the ruling regime’s order and penalizing deviants, is a mysterious character. Her influence is often felt rather than directly perceived. Interactions with Tally are usually tense and laced with psychological control, giving her an imposing and fearsome demeanor that functions as a significant antagonist. The actions taken by Dr. Cable significantly fuel the story’s conflict.
In the film adaptation, Dr. Cable’s role is amplified, making her a more prominent and publicly recognized figure. While she maintains her chilling demeanor, it’s not as overtly displayed as in the novels. In the movie “Uglies,” we are introduced to District Governor Dr. Nyah Cable, a position that lends her greater influence compared to the books. Her holographic presence is initially encountered, and during her meeting with Tally, it becomes evident how much control she wields over the Uglies and Pretties. This transformation in her character makes her more akin to a traditional antagonist, diminishing some of the nuanced and psychological intrigue associated with Dr. Cable from the books.
6 Visual Representation of the City
In Scott Westerfeld’s novel, Uglies, we are introduced to a future society that presents a striking duality between the advanced, visually flawless world of New Pretty Town inhabited by the Pretties, and the drab and run-down Uglyville where Tally resides. The author cleverly distinguishes these settlements: the former serves as the playground for the Pretties, while the latter houses Tally’s dormitories. Through its vivid description of Uglyville’s architecture, the book portrays a sense of oppression that permeates this city, making it feel like an active character reflecting the constraints and values enforced upon its inhabitants.
In essence, the Netflix version preserves the futuristic vibe, yet leans towards a sleeker and less oppressive style. The contrast between the Pretty and Ugly worlds is subtly portrayed through costumes and color choices, rather than technology. This shift in visual presentation significantly alters the story’s mood, as it emphasizes the social critique that forms the core of the novel’s plotline.
5 The Movie Cuts off Shay and David’s Romance
In the movie “Uglies”, Shay was a straightforward character who yearned for freedom from conformity and sought life in The Smoke. Before discussing her intentions with Tally, Shay had already been in contact with David at the Rusty Ruins, making her the first to depart from the city. Inspired by the clue Shay had given her, Tally eventually found herself in The Smoke, where she discovered that Shay was well-respected among its inhabitants. Shay, familiar with life in The Smoke, assisted Tally in learning the local customs.
In the film, when Tally displayed the gloves that David had given her to Shay, Shay explained their significance, however, the movie did not suggest any romantic connection between Shay and David. On the other hand, in the novels, it’s quite clear that Shay and David are involved romantically. The glove scene, though, takes a different approach in the novels.
In the “Uglies” series of books, Shay harbors resentment towards Tally due to her acceptance of a gift and spending time with her boyfriend, David. This complex dynamic among Shay, David, and Tally – often referred to as a love triangle – is delved into extensively and frequently recurring throughout the novels.
4 Peris’ Character Arc
In a different phrasing: Peris, once a childhood companion of Tally’s, transforms into a ‘Pretty’ individual before the story starts. This transformation sets off Tally’s own adventure. Though he is occasionally mentioned throughout the narrative, readers don’t encounter him until Tally unexpectedly visits him in Pretty Town. Upon her arrival, Peris isn’t thrilled to see her and instead helps her make an escape using bungee jumping.
Furthermore, in the novels, Peris doesn’t acquire the status of a Special. Instead, he assists Dr. Cable in persuading Tally to aid in locating Shay. However, his character undergoes a transformative journey that is both heartwarming and bittersweet.
In the film adaptation, the character Peris undergoes a significant transformation. Unlike in the books, Netflix presents him initially as an unattractive individual and depicts him as more embracing of his new appearance. Furthermore, the movie version of Peris appears less troubled by societal pressures regarding his role. In the story, after his surgery, Peris forgets about Tally, discards her scar, ignores her when she comes to visit him, and fails to aid her during a chase by the Wardens. This change in Peris’ character trajectory is one of the most substantial alterations in the movie, suggesting that Peris may have a more prolonged presence in the narrative compared to his role in the books.
3 The Purpose of the White Tiger Orchid
In a post-apocalyptic setting, Westerfeld constructs a future with a robust history centered around the White Tiger Orchid. These flowers serve as a powerful symbol of ecological devastation wrought by the Pretty society to maintain their dominance. They are genetically engineered flora that overpower other vegetation, mirroring the invasive nature of the Pretty surgery, society’s fixation on beauty and perfection, and the consequences these ideologies have on the vulnerable ecosystems surrounding the city. However, Tally remains unaware of this until she flees and observes Pretties from another city wrecking the farmlands from a new perspective.
In the film, instead of being the main focus, the White Tiger Orchid takes a more secondary role, serving as a backdrop rather than a key theme. At the beginning, Tally presents the orchid field as a source of energy for their city, describing it as a modern approach to providing clean air and fuel. However, it’s only when Tally is on the verge of entering The Smoke that she discovers the real significance of the orchid and its contribution to environmental deterioration.
2 The Big Reveal of Tally’s True Mission
Netflix’s adaptation of Uglies takes a more intense, dramatic approach. When Tally initially meets Dr. Cable, she finds herself bewildered. Dr. Cable reveals that they are aware Shay has gone missing and enlists Tally’s assistance in tracking her down. However, there’s more at stake than just finding a friend. The District Governor discloses that not only are the escaped Uglies in peril but are being held captive by The Smoke residents. Furthermore, she warns of a dangerous weapon that The Smoke is hoarding to potentially use against the city. This sets the stage for escalating tension and moral quandaries for Tally as she eventually approaches The Smoke, tasked with triggering an alarm.
As a movie critic, I’d rephrase that as follows: In the story, my character, Tally, is tasked with a seemingly straightforward objective – finding The Smoke and alerting Dr. Cable. Contrary to expectation, neither the books nor the narrative portray David as a captor or villain holding the Uglies against their will. Instead, the book subtly withholds Tally’s true motives from David until an unexpected event – being stranded in a hurricane with David – forces her hand and reveals that she has joined The Smoke. This information is not broadcast to the entire community simultaneously; rather, it is shared only between us as we face an uncertain future together.
1 The Overall Ending
From a movie buff’s perspective: I found myself right smack in the middle of the heated debates surrounding “Uglies” – a film that left critics and viewers alike divided. This was largely due to its daring departures from the original source material, particularly with how it wrapped up Tally’s story. In the book, her predicament was left hanging as a tantalizing cliffhanger, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, yearning for more. Her choice to surrender for the Pretty surgery in the movie can be seen as an attempt to rectify all the chaos she’s caused. It’s a bold move, a self-sacrificing act that resonates powerfully – a testament to her character, as the final line of the book so poignantly puts it: “I am Tally Youngblood. Make me pretty.
In the Netflix adaptation of Uglies, Tally’s transformation into a Pretty is more definitive. Unlike in the book where her prettiness isn’t explicitly shown, here we see Tally undergo the surgery and emerge as a Pretty, yet she retains a scar. This scar signifies that despite her newfound beauty, Tally remains unchanged at her core. Although this contradicts the novel’s concept of individuals embracing imperfections in a society where everyone is encouraged to eradicate them, it introduces an air of uncertainty and intrigue.
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2024-10-04 05:02