Netflix’s film adaptation of Scott Westerfeld’s young adult novel “Uglies” received a lukewarm reception from audiences and critics since its release. The movie initially ranked as the top film on Netflix but was quickly surpassed by other titles like “The Garfield Movie.” This rapid drop from the top spot, combined with lackluster reviews, calls into question whether Netflix will pursue sequels from the book’s expanded franchise.
“Uglies,” starring Joey King, depicts a dystopian future where 16-year-olds undergo mandatory cosmetic surgery to conform to beauty standards. While the film attempted to capture key elements from the novel, reviews gave it an average 15% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Audience ratings were only slightly higher at 47%. Despite these mediocre scores, interest from fans of the book series and King’s celebrity kept “Uglies” at number one briefly.
Nonetheless, industry observers noted the movie’s stay at the top was short-lived. Within days, “The Garfield Movie” had replaced it as viewers’ most popular choice. This quick turnover from the top spot raises doubts about the film’s ability to hold viewers’ long-term attention. Some subtle nods to the source material caught fans’ eyes, like opening with a sunset resembling “cat vomit,” a memorable phrase from the novel’s first line. However, alterations to the story structure and exposition-heavy opening received criticism.
Going forward, the future of “Uglies” on Netflix remains unclear. While the original book series expanded into a trilogy, streaming officials have not confirmed sequel plans. The film’s mixed reviews and rapid decline in popularity may factor into such decisions. Its CGI-altered ending, showing the lead actor’s face transformed, also introduces challenges for visualizing future installments.
In contrast, other recent Netflix films like action thriller “Rebel Ridge” and drama “His Three Daughters” starring Elizabeth Olsen have performed well commercially and critically. As the service continues investing in original content, films’ box office performances and reviews will likely impact programming choices. Only time will tell if Scott Westerfeld’s imaginative but divisive world will receive another chance on Netflix.
