Joey King’s new Netflix film may be called “Uglies,” but director McG knows that every single actor in it is objectively attractive. And yes, he and his team chose the cast that way for a reason.
Based on Scott Westerfeld’s 2005 book of the same name, “Uglies” tells the story of a dystopian society in which every single resident must undergo mandatory cosmetic surgery at the age of 16 – although this is presented as something they receive to do not have to do – to become the perfect version of themselves.
After the operation, people are known as Pretties and live in a city where they constantly party. Until then, they live in a dorm across the river and are known as Uglies. Uglies are largely ignored by society because they are not perfect.
King plays Tally Youngblood, a girl who is called Squint by her best friend because she is supposedly cross-eyed. Said best friend is Peris (Chase Stokes), who calls her Nose because… well, you get the idea. Until they’re pretty, there’s something wrong with everyone.
A similar phenomenon occurs in “Barbie,” but it is addressed directly. When Margot Robbie’s “stereotypical Barbie” complains that she is “no longer pretty,” narrator Helen Mirren interrupts her and jokes: “Note to filmmakers: If you want to make this clear, Margot Robbie is the wrong choice.”
“Uglies” doesn’t do the same fourth-wall-breaking wit, but yes, McG knows he has a conventionally attractive cast—that was intentional.
“That’s exactly why we did it, because we say it’s never enough. And Joey King, beautiful. Brianne Tju, Chase, Keith (Powers), Laverne (Cox), you can’t get much more beautiful than that,” he told TheWrap. “And we say that’s not the point. There’s always someone or something to nag about.”
He continued, “I think if you talk to some of the most universally considered beautiful people in the world, they are some of the people with the most body dysmorphia. No one is immune to that toxicity that’s out there, of, ‘It’s never enough. You can always have a smaller waist, bigger hips, fuller lips.’ Take your pick. You see that out there every day, and this film is meant to be the antidote to that mindset.”
The director also felt that despite his script being written in 2005, “Uglies” is more relevant than ever thanks to social media. The “depression” and “anxiety” caused by social media was a major factor in the creation of the film adaptation.
“I think the kids out there can’t just post a snapshot. Everything has to go through a Facetune or some kind of filtering to achieve an ideal of beauty that is unattainable,” he said. “And I think that’s very, very damaging, not just for the kids, but for everyone.”
“If nothing else, this movie just says you are perfect the way you are. Beauty comes from within and here’s the ultimate trick: If you really love someone for who they are, they become attractive to you,” he added. “You love that nose, you love those hips, you love those thighs and those cheekbones, everything about it, short, tall, fat or thin. It doesn’t matter. If you build a deep, personal connection with someone, they become attractive. That’s the craziest thing.”
“Uglies” is now streaming on Netflix.
