Uglies: A Critique that Doesn't Hold a Candle to Divergent on Netflix

Introduction

Uglies, based on the novel by Scott Westerfeld, is a dystopian young adult film that follows Tally Youngblood, a 16-year-old living in a society where everyone is considered "ugly" until they turn 16 and undergo a mandatory operation to become "pretty." Tally is initially excited about the prospect of becoming pretty, but as she learns more about the society she lives in, she begins to question its values. Divergent, on the other hand, is a young adult film series based on the novel by Veronica Roth. It follows Tris Prior, a 16-year-old who lives in a society that is divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Tris must choose which faction she wants to join, but her choice is complicated by the fact that she is Divergent, meaning that she does not fit into any one faction.

Plot

Uglies is set in a future where everyone is considered "ugly" until they turn 16 and undergo a mandatory operation to become "pretty." Tally Youngblood is a 16-year-old who is excited about the prospect of becoming pretty, but as she learns more about the society she lives in, she begins to question its values. She meets Shay, a rebel who convinces her to join her in fighting against the government. Divergent is set in a future where society is divided into five factions: Abnegation, Amity, Candor, Dauntless, and Erudite. Tris Prior must choose which faction she wants to join, but her choice is complicated by the fact that she is Divergent, meaning that she does not fit into any one faction. She joins Dauntless, the faction responsible for protecting the city, but she soon learns that there is more to the city than she thought.

Characters

Tally Youngblood is the protagonist of Uglies. She is a 16-year-old who is initially excited about the prospect of becoming pretty, but as she learns more about the society she lives in, she begins to question its values. Shay is a rebel who convinces Tally to join her in fighting against the government. Tris Prior is the protagonist of Divergent. She is a 16-year-old who must choose which faction she wants to join, but her choice is complicated by the fact that she is Divergent, meaning that she does not fit into any one faction. Four is a Dauntless leader who helps Tris to adjust to her new faction.

Themes

Uglies explores the themes of beauty and conformity. Tally is initially drawn to the idea of becoming pretty, but she eventually comes to realize that there is more to life than physical appearance. Divergent explores the themes of identity and choice. Tris must choose which faction she wants to join, but her choice is not an easy one. She must weigh the pros and cons of each faction and decide which one is right for her.

Conclusion

Uglies and Divergent are both young adult films that explore important themes such as beauty, conformity, identity, and choice. However, Uglies is a more superficial film that does not explore its themes as deeply as Divergent. Divergent is a more complex and thought-provoking film that will stay with you long after you have watched it.