Is Peris Actually Dead in Uglies?

Is Peris Actually Dead in Uglies?

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  • What Happened to Peris in Uglies?
  • Does Peris Return in the Uglies Book Series?

As a long-time fan of Scott Westerfeld’s “Uglies” series, I was thrilled when Netflix announced its adaptation. However, my excitement quickly turned to confusion when I watched the movie and found our beloved character, Peris, seemingly meeting his untimely demise. But, as someone who has spent countless hours delving into the intricacies of these books, I couldn’t help but feel a glimmer of hope.


Translating books into movies can sometimes be a delicate task due to the pre-existing enthusiasm surrounding the literary series, as fans often have specific expectations about the plot and characters. Netflix has dared to tackle Scott Westerfeld’s two-decade-old novel series addressing a contentious subject and bring it to life on screen. Opinions on Netflix’s movie “Uglies” are divided, but this youth adaptation has sparked discussions regarding harmful beauty standards and the rising trend of cosmetic surgeries among young people. If handled effectively, it could potentially become one of the best movies available on Netflix. A significant theme in the film “Uglies” is the influence of social media and beauty filters, which exacerbate individuals’ insecurities by encouraging comparisons between themselves and others.

In the heart of the story in “Uglies,” we find the teenager Tally Youngblood, who has been in films such as “The Perfect Couple” with Zac Efron and Nicole Kidman, and “Bullet Train” alongside Brad Pitt. Tally is eager for her plastic surgery along with her friend Peris. Despite having spent every day together since they arrived in Uglyville, the government’s risky surgeries eventually drive them apart. As a result of brainwashing and being used as a pawn, Peris undergoes a significant transformation that leaves her unrecognizable. Ultimately, when Tally faces a critical decision between saving someone else or risking Peris’ life, the question arises: Is it truly Peris from “Uglies” who meets such a fate?

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What Happened to Peris in Uglies?

Is Peris Actually Dead in Uglies?Is Peris Actually Dead in Uglies?

In a unique twist, Peris and Tally’s friendship began in an unusual manner. They frequently contacted each other as they grappled with their insecurities, nicknamed Nose and Squint respectively. Excited about their upcoming cosmetic surgeries, they eagerly anticipated the day when they would live luxuriously in the town of Pretty. However, three months before Tally underwent his transformation, Peris underwent a life-altering change that made him nearly unrecognizable. This sudden change alarmed Tally, foreshadowing the underlying themes in the novel Uglies. Manipulated by one of the government officials, Dr. Cable, the mind-controlled Peris leveraged his bond with Tally to quell an uprising led by a rebellious group, The Smoke.

When Tally and Peris meet on the battlefield, Tally recalls their powerful emotional bond that existed before Peris departed the dormitory to undergo a change. Determined to breach the barrier set by the operation, she seeks to unveil the true Peris once more. Tally is convinced that Peris would never have harmed anyone or gone so far as to take a life, making him an intriguing figure worth further investigation. However, when Peris attempts to touch her face, it triggers memories of his past actions, specifically the murder of David’s father, causing him to act instinctively and attack.

In the end, Tally shoves Peris off a skyscraper in an attempt to save David’s life. Just as he plummets towards certain doom, Peris gazes up at Tally and addresses her as Squint – a pet name he used for her before his transformation. This nickname suggests that Tally was able to penetrate his defenses, indicating there remains an unaltered part of him. This moment hints at the possibility of restoring Peris to his original self. Yet, this glimmer of hope makes his impending death all the more poignant and sorrowful. Is it truly the end for Peris as he falls from such a great height?

Does Peris Return in the Uglies Book Series?

Is Peris Actually Dead in Uglies?

In the “Uglies” book series and Netflix adaptation, Peris plays a significant role. However, a pivotal event splits his storyline into two unique paths. Though he undergoes the transformation into a Pretty both in the written narrative and on-screen, the author chose to keep him as a Pretty character, delving deeper into his growth within this context. In the initial book, “Uglies,” which serves as the basis for the Netflix film, Peris initially adapts to the lifestyle in Pretty Town and remains there throughout the novel’s course.

In the sequels, Pretties and Specials, Tally and Peris reconnect, with Peris maintaining his role. However, the movie presents a distinct and debatable twist for him. Unlike his life as a Pretty, Peris is persuaded by Dr. Cable, a government official, to undergo further surgeries to transform into a Special – a term that holds significance in the storyline but remains undefined here.

Is Peris From Netflix’s Uglies Actually Dead?

Is Peris Actually Dead in Uglies?Is Peris Actually Dead in Uglies?Is Peris Actually Dead in Uglies?

In the novel “Uglies,” Peris is persuaded to undergo another surgery, this time to become a Special – a role in the upcoming movie adaptation. Seeking any form of acknowledgement for his looks or actions, Peris consents to the change. However, he’s unaware that becoming a Special involves more than just aesthetic enhancement. They are essentially superhumans, possessing extraordinary strength, speed, and resilience against injury. Additionally, they are mentally conditioned to be highly obedient, following commands without question, under the control of Cable.

Regarding Peris’ apparent demise, it’s not unreasonable to wonder if he might still be alive, given the possibility that we may see him again. This assumption is bolstered by his reemergence in the popular YA novel series and hinted at in the Netflix Top 10 film. Although Peris plummeted from a building, it’s important to consider that as a Special, he possesses an extraordinary physique. Consequently, it’s quite likely that he survived the fall or found a safe landing spot. The movie suggests that Specials can leap from immense heights, and moreover, they are nearly invulnerable, making it extremely difficult to inflict a fatal injury upon them.

Furthermore, it’s reported that actor Chase Stokes discusses reprising his role in an Uglies sequel, indicating that there’s more to explore within the Uglies universe through his character. If Peris does indeed return, fans can expect another shake-up of Tally’s world. Possible storylines could involve Peris becoming a sinister supervillain, Tally attempting to restore the old Nose, or even a love triangle between Tally, Peris, and David. The potential return of Peris would undeniably enrich the narrative. It remains uncertain if Netflix will produce the Uglies sequel, Pretties, or if Chase Stokes’ character, Peris, will make another appearance. However, given the circumstances, we speculate that he might be back. Uglies is currently streaming on Netflix.

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2024-09-21 18:01