In our latest podcast episode, hosts Meaghan and Shirin provide in-depth analysis and critique of the 2024 Netflix book adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s young adult novel Uglies. As we delve into their discussion, we’ll explore the film’s premise, its execution, and how it compares to both the source material and the current social climate.



NoteThe following is an editorialized transcript of our weekly literary podcast. If you would like to listen to the podcast, click the play button above orlisten on your favorite platform with the links below.



Setting the Stage: The Dystopian World of Uglies



Curtesy of Netflix


We begin by introducing us to the dystopian world of Uglies. Set in a future where humanity has nearly destroyed the planet through the overuse of natural resources, society has been restructured around the concept of physical beauty. At the age of 16, every citizen undergoes mandatory surgery to become “pretty”, ostensibly to eliminate societal divisions based on appearance.



We learn that the protagonist, Tally Youngblood (played by Joey King), is eagerly awaiting her turn to become “pretty”. However, her world is turned upside down when she meets Shay, a rebellious teen who introduces her to the idea of resisting the surgery and escaping to a place called “the Smoke”.



Book vs. Movie: Differences







Uglies



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Author:
Scott Westerfeld





Published:
05/03/2011


Genre:
Dystopian Fiction


Publisher:
Simon and Schuster


Number of pages:
406


ISBN:
9781847389091



Show Details





Throughout the podcast, Meaghan, who has read the first book in the series, provides valuable comparisons between the source material and the film adaptation. We discover that while the basic premise remains the same, there are significant differences in execution and depth:




* Character Development: The hosts note that Tally’s character in the book has more “gumption” and internal conflict about the pretty surgery. In contrast, the movie version comes across as one-dimensional, primarily focused on becoming pretty.



* World-building: The book apparently provides a more nuanced v...

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