Movies

Pretty much no one likes Netflix’s YA dystopian throwback “Uglies”

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Pretty much no one likes Netflix's YA dystopian throwback "Uglies"

As someone who grew up in the 2010s, I can’t help but reminisce about the golden era of YA dystopian stories. The Hunger Games, Divergent, and even Uglies were the staples of my teenage years, providing endless hours of escapism and fueling countless discussions with friends. However, stepping into the 2020s, it feels like we’ve moved on from these narratives, seeking fresh perspectives in our literature and media.

In the 2010s, Young Adult (YA) stories became incredibly popular. Not just any YA stories, but a particular type that captivated us – stories set in dystopian sci-fi worlds where teenagers lived under oppressive regimes and were classified according to their traits. For instance, there was “The Hunger Games,” where the population resided in deteriorating districts and teens were forced to engage in lethal competitions for the entertainment of the wealthy elite. Another example is the “Divergent” series, where individuals were assigned factions based on their personalities… except our protagonists were too unique to fit neatly into any one faction, showcasing teenage resilience!

Scientists initially developed genetically enhanced orchids as a new energy resource, and subsequently, a surgical procedure to make people look more attractive. This universal perfection was intended to maintain harmony among humanity.

I’ve got no intention of being overly critical about this genre – I enjoyed The Hunger Games sufficiently, but it feels like its peak has passed and I can’t quite fathom why Netflix decided to resurrect it for the Uglies movie. However, the project faced resistance from the start; for example, people online found humor in the casting choices for the “ugly” characters in the film.

I must admit, the film didn’t exactly excel in my book. Despite drawing a crowd, it only managed a 52% approval rating among viewers. That’s still a disappointing ‘F’ or “Rotten” label, if you will.

It’s not a bad idea to attempt rekindling the popularity of dystopian young adult novels from the 2010s, but it seems that the team behind “Uglies” might have lacked genuine enthusiasm for the project. From its initial release, it appeared outdated, making it ripe for criticism online and essentially doomed to be forgotten. I wish the best of luck to the cast and crew, but I don’t expect this one to leave a lasting impression.

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2024-09-16 23:41

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