As a woman who has spent her fair share of time scrolling through social media and comparing my own looks to those filtered perfection, I can wholeheartedly say that the real hero in Netflix’s Uglies is not Tally or Shay, but every Shay we encounter in our lives.
Introducing a fresh heroine whose resilience and mindset could potentially resonate with countless individuals worldwide! The latest Netflix film, “Uglies,” currently placed second in the Top 10 on Netflix US, carries a powerful message that has caught the eyes of those captivated by young adult book-to-movie adaptations. Social media enthusiasts, especially those who frequently use beauty filters, may find this Netflix production particularly appealing.
In a future world marred by dystopia, the story Uglies revolves around Tally Youngblood, a teenager eagerly anticipating a significant milestone that society promises as the gateway to life’s marvels. As she waits, she forges friendships, some unforeseen, yearns only for beauty, and discovers the essence of betrayal and being betrayed. Remarkably, this narrative from Scott Westerfeld’s book, first published nearly two decades ago, still resonates with its powerful commentary on societal beauty standards.
In the story of Uglies, it’s Joey King’s character, Tally, who embarks on a significant journey to grasp a crucial lesson. However, it’s essential to note that Tally isn’t the actual heroine; let’s delve into the world of Uglies to uncover who truly holds this role.
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Beauty Standards In a Futuristic World
In the novel Uglies, beauty is the primary topic in all discussions, friendships, and learning experiences. When youngsters are sent away to school, their family bonds are severed, and they are repeatedly told that they are unattractive. Fortunately, society provides a resolution for this issue – an extreme makeover through cosmetic surgery on the day of their 16th birthday, which signifies the start of a life as attractive and stunning individuals known as Pretties.
After the transformation is complete, those teenagers depart from Uglyville and are relocated to the captivating city known as Pretty Town. Here, their daily lives are full of opulence and brimming with numerous exhilarating activities. From donning “bungee jackets” for the thrill of leaping off skyscrapers to attending enchanting parties with shimmering ceilings, it appears that the inhabitants of Pretty Town have an abundance of delightful experiences at their disposal.
Joey King portrays Tally Youngblood exceptionally well, capturing the struggle of feeling excluded from society due to her appearance and yearning to transform herself to belong. Her longing, almost compulsion, to be perceived as beautiful and valued is palpable, affecting both her character and those around her. The remedy she seeks is cosmetic surgery, a choice that mirrors real-life scenarios where social media and excessive beauty standards can become obsessive.
In numerous aspects, the ideal beauty portrayed in ‘Uglies’ mirrors our real-world beauty standards. Features such as flawless skin, plump lips, long limbs, and ideally proportioned body parts are universally desired. However, these ideals often prove to be an elusive and unattainable illusion, leading to futility in pursuit. The question of who or what defines beauty is a thought-provoking one, echoing the themes presented in ‘Uglies’. Ultimately, it’s a concept that each individual must grapple with and determine for themselves.
The Real Hero in Netflix’s Uglies
Everyone has experienced that moment when you’re absorbed in your phone, oblivious to the passing time, and wonder if this screen-time could be better spent on more meaningful pursuits. This sentiment is beautifully portrayed in ‘Uglies’, where Tally questions Shay about her lack of a social media profile before cosmetic surgery, as if it’s necessary for applying filters. However, Shay, played by Brianne Tju, sees it as a time-wasting trend that makes her feel inferior, pushing her to focus on things that don’t truly matter.
Shay expresses her belief that beauty isn’t something that can be easily defined and it’s crucial to free oneself from societal norms. She points out that each crease on someone’s face tells a story and every individual’s unique appearance holds charm. This perspective initially startles Tally, but it also sows a vital idea that eventually propels The Smoke rebellion forward by a significant step. (To clarify, this was after Tally nearly caused danger for everyone, but let’s focus on the positive impact instead.) As David, one of the characters in the rebellion, puts it in the movie: real life mirrors his words as he states that…
Their behavior leaves us feeling isolated and uncertain, causing us to neglect the important aspects of life.
In Tally’s story, it was Shay who helped Tally see the true essence of beauty and what truly matters in life. Though Tally played the heroic role and even risked herself for redemption, it is clear that Shay was the real star. Shay guided Tally out of a narrow-minded perspective shaped by societal pressures, opening her eyes, heart, and mind to a broader, more fulfilling life.
Undeniably, everyone stands to gain from encountering someone akin to Shay, as they learn that genuine beauty stems from within and can be discovered in the humblest or unanticipated corners of our planet. The essence of Shay may manifest in any stranger you meet on the street, and it’s my hope that she not only transformed Tally’s perspective but also left a lasting, positive impact on people everywhere.
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2024-09-18 05:01