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In recent years, adaptations of young adult novels have surged tremendously, particularly within the realm of streaming services. This trend has led to the transformation of several beloved books into films, captivating audiences with fresh interpretations of their favorite stories. One notable addition to this wave of adaptations is Scott Westerfeld’s acclaimed 2005 novel, Uglies, which has recently made its debut on Netflix.
Set in a speculative future, Uglies follows Tally Youngblood, a 16-year-old girl who eagerly anticipates her upcoming transformation from an “Ugly” to a “Pretty”—a surgical procedure deemed a rite of passage in her society. However, as Tally prepares for her surgery, she begins to unravel the complexities of her world and seeks to discover the truth behind the existence of The Smoke, a hidden community outside the city’s rigid norms.
Released in 2024, the adaptation of Uglies faced the challenge of remaining faithful to Westerfeld’s imaginative universe while also engaging a wide range of viewers, from long-time fans to newcomers. Directed by McG, the film made several noteworthy alterations that both streamline the narrative and introduce new dimensions, although some fans have noted that certain pivotal elements of the original story were compromised. Despite these changes, the film presents a potential launching point for what could be a significant new franchise for Netflix.
Here are ten significant alterations made in the Netflix film adaptation of Uglies compared to the original book.
10 The Use of Hoverboards in The Smoke
Hoverboards serve as an essential mode of transportation in both Scott Westerfeld’s original work and the Netflix adaptation. In the urban landscape, these boards levitate above metal surfaces, and Tally is introduced to them by her friend Shay, allowing her to traverse the challenges of the wilderness as she journeys to The Smoke. However, upon her arrival in The Smoke, the film notably omits their use, a striking departure from the book where hoverboards symbolize rebellion and are integral to the narrative. The adaptation treats them more as a plot device than as a significant element of the story’s themes.
9 Tally and Peris’ Romantic Tension
The film introduces a deeper emotional connection between Tally and Peris early on, hinting at a romantic undertone to their friendship forged through shared memories. They possess a unique bond, symbolized by matching scars, promising to retain them regardless of their future transformations. Nevertheless, the film does not address these underlying feelings explicitly. In contrast, the book emphasizes Tally’s internal journey and her dismissal of romantic entanglements until they are transformed into Pretties, highlighting societal pressures shaping their perspectives.
8 David’s Father’s Fate Is Different in the Books
In both the novel and film, David’s father, Az, meets a tragic end, but the circumstances surrounding his death differ significantly. The book depicts a chaotic raid by Special Circumstances, leading to a horrific revelation about Az’s fate after an experiment aimed at concealing the truth about the Pretty surgeries. This narrative complexity is notably absent in the film, which opts for a more direct and dramatic portrayal of Az’s demise. The film’s approach escalates the stakes for Tally and David while altering the emotional weight of their motivations moving forward.
7 Dr. Cable’s Status as Governor
In the book, Dr. Cable operates in the shadows, her influence felt primarily through fear and intimidation. This contrasts with the film’s depiction, where Dr. Cable is presented as a prominent figure with public authority, introduced as District Governor Nyah Cable. This change recontextualizes her role into one that embodies traditional villainous tropes while sacrificing some of the nuanced psychological manipulation that defined her character in Westerfeld’s narrative.
6 Visual Representation of the City
Uglies portrays a stark visual divide between the worlds of the Pretties and Uglies. The novel’s descriptive passages illuminate the oppressive nature of the Ugly environment, serving as a critical commentary on societal control through architecture. While the Netflix adaptation visually presents this contrast, it adopts a more polished aesthetic, diluting the oppressive atmosphere captured in the book. The subtlety of this critique is less pronounced in the film version, altering the narrative’s foundational tone.
5 The Movie Cuts off Shay and David’s Romance
In the movie, Shay’s motivations are simplified; her primary aim is escaping conformity rather than pursuing a relationship with David. When Tally arrives in The Smoke, the film fails to develop the romantic tension between Shay and David, a notable departure from the novels, where a complicated love triangle adds depth to the characters’ interactions. This change strips away significant emotional layers that enhance the complexity of their relationships.
4 Peris’ Character Arc
In the books, Peris, who becomes Pretty before the narrative begins, represents Tally’s loss and the stakes of their friendship. His character arc offers a deeper exploration of Tally’s internal conflicts. The film, however, alters Peris’ characterization significantly, presenting him as more compliant with societal expectations and neglectful of Tally’s struggles post-transformation. This shift impacts the viewer’s understanding of Peris and lessens the emotional resonance of their friendship.
3 The Purpose of the White Tiger Orchid
The White Tiger Orchid symbolizes environmental degradation and societal control in Westerfeld’s world, encapsulating the narrative’s themes. While the film incorporates the orchid, it reduces its significance, treating it as a mere background element rather than a pivotal cultural marker. This alteration shifts the focus from a critical commentary on societal values to a more conventional plot device, diluting its thematic richness.
2 The Big Reveal of Tally’s True Mission
The Netflix adaptation amplifies the stakes of Tally’s mission, framing it as a morally complex task assigned by Dr. Cable, who insists that Tally must retrieve her friends to prevent them from posing a danger to society. The book, in contrast, presents Tally’s journey as simpler and more focused on locating The Smoke without the urgency of an impending threat. This difference in framing elevates the dramatic tension but alters the original narrative’s subtlety.
1 The Overall Ending
The ending of Uglies has drawn mixed responses from audiences due to substantial changes in how Tally’s character arc concludes. The book leaves readers on a cliffhanger, with Tally’s self-sacrificial decision reinforcing the central themes of identity and societal pressures. In contrast, the film provides a more definitive resolution by revealing Tally’s transformation while retaining her scar, offering a glimmer of her true self beneath the societal expectations of beauty. This ending invites a different interpretation of Tally’s journey, presenting a blend of hope and ambiguity that departs from the book’s resolution.
Source
movieweb.com