Netflix’s recent adaptation of The Uglies, based on Scott Westerfeld’s novel, dives deep into a world where extreme beauty standards have been institutionalized. The series explores a dystopian future in which everyone must undergo cosmetic surgery at 16 to become "Pretty"—a concept that taps into society’s obsession with aesthetics and the desire for conformity. But beneath the surface of this futuristic narrative lies a reflection of modern societal pressures, particularly the growing concerns surrounding beauty standards and their impact on self-esteem.
The central plot of The Uglies follows Tally Youngblood, who anticipates her transformation into a Pretty. However, she quickly discovers the darker implications of this "perfection," including brain lesions designed to make individuals submissive and compliant, eliminating the human drive for individuality. The novel critiques a world where cosmetic surgery is not just a choice but a requirement, raising questions about identity, freedom, and the human desire to fit in.
This dystopian society, with its rigid division between Uglies and Pretties, mirrors real-world struggles many individuals face today. We may not live in a world where cosmetic surgery is mandatory, but the pressures to conform to certain beauty ideals—especially as influenced by social media and advertising—are ever-present.
The themes of The Uglies resonate strongly with modern issues of beauty standards, particularly as they are reinforced through platforms like Instagram and TikTok. These platforms often promote a narrow definition of beauty, where edited photos, filters, and cosmetic enhancements can create unrealistic expectations. As Joey King, the lead actress of The Uglies adaptation, pointed out, even those working on a film critiquing beauty standards can struggle with societal pressures to look a certain way .
In real life, many people experience a push to conform to an increasingly homogeneous ideal, influenced by trends that often celebrate features like fuller lips, sharper cheekbones, and flawless skin. While these trends may be seen as aspirational by some, they can also foster feelings of inadequacy or anxiety for those who feel they don’t naturally fit into this mold. Social media has amplified these concerns, with filters like Instagram’s "yassify" effect that subtly push users towards a "perfected" version of themselves, contributing to the rise of looksmaxxing and the normalization of cosmetic enhancements.
While The Uglies clearly critiques a society that enforces extreme cosmetic modifications, it’s essential to acknowledge that the conversation around cosmetic enhancements is nuanced. Cosmetic procedures can be empowering for some individuals. The key is ensuring these decisions are made for the right reasons—based on personal choice and self-confidence rather than societal pressure to conform.
At BestLOOK, we strive to take a measured and balanced approach to beauty enhancements. Our AI plastic surgery simulator platform celebrates individual features, helping users highlight what makes them unique. While social media may push everyone to look the same, BestLOOK encourages people to find beauty in their individuality. By using AI, our service provides personalized suggestions for enhancing natural beauty without pushing users toward extreme or uniform changes. Cosmetic enhancements can be a tool for building confidence—but only when done thoughtfully, in a way that enhances, rather than erases, a person’s unique identity.
The Netflix adaptation of The Uglies is a cautionary tale about the dangers of extreme beauty standards and forced conformity. It asks us to consider how much of our identity is tied to how we look and whether our society’s obsession with beauty may come at the cost of individuality. As we wait for the next installment of the series, it’s an excellent time to reflect on how we navigate our personal relationships with beauty standards.
At BestLOOK, we believe in using technology to empower people - not to conform to societal ideals but to embrace their uniqueness. In a world where everyone feels pressured to look a certain way, finding what makes you special can be the most beautiful thing of all.