Uglies Christian Review

In a world flooded with YA dystopian films, Uglies is yet another entry that, quite frankly, doesn’t do much to stand out. There’s a growing fatigue with the genre, a sort of weariness from audiences who’ve seen the same themes regurgitated over and over—rebellion, individuality, and the dangers of a society that prizes conformity over uniqueness. If you’re someone who’s walked into this film hoping for a fresh take or even a memorable reflection on Christian values, you may walk out feeling like something is missing.

A Dystopian Message That Falls Flat

Let’s start with the message of Uglies, because that’s where most dystopian films really live or die. The central theme of the movie is the idea of non-conformity, wrapped in the context of a world where everyone must undergo surgery at 16 to become “pretty.” The movie clearly wants us to think deeply about the pressures society places on beauty standards and how that affects our sense of self. In a Christian worldview, where we know that “the Lord looks at the heart” rather than outward appearances (1 Samuel 16:7), there’s ample opportunity here to explore deeper questions about identity and self-worth.

But Uglies never really digs deep enough. It skims over the surface, offering a narrative that feels tired and repetitive. In a world obsessed with looks, Christians are taught that beauty comes from within, that our worth is inherent in being created in the image of God. Sadly, Uglies flirts with this idea but never takes the plunge. Instead, we’re left with a film that says what we’ve already heard a hundred times: it’s bad to conform, be yourself, and fight the system. But it doesn’t add anything new to the conversation.

World-Building: Generic at Best

If you’re expecting to be transported into a fully realized dystopian world, you might be a bit disappointed. Dystopian fiction at its best makes you feel like the setting is a character in itself—think The Hunger Games with its stark, divided districts, or The Maze Runner with its mysterious, ever-changing landscapes. In Uglies, however, the world-building feels generic and uninspired. It’s a futuristic society, sure, but nothing about it stands out as particularly unique.

This is a shame because dystopian worlds are fertile ground for exploring Christian themes about sin, redemption, and the fallen nature of humanity. In a broken society, we can often see reflections of the real world’s own brokenness and our need for a Savior. But in Uglies, the setting feels like a missed opportunity. There’s no deeper moral question being asked, no sense that this world has anything to teach us beyond the surface-level critique of beauty standards.

A Superficial Exploration of Identity

Perhaps the biggest letdown for Christian viewers is how Uglies handles the topic of identity. In a world where everyone is expected to undergo surgery to become “pretty,” the film could have explored what it truly means to be created in the image of God, to find worth in something deeper than outward appearance. Christians believe that our identity is rooted in Christ, not in what the world deems beautiful. But Uglies takes the easy road, sticking to the predictable plot of a young girl rebelling against societal norms.

In a culture obsessed with appearance, where filters and Photoshop reign supreme, this could have been a timely reminder that God looks at the heart. But the film’s exploration of identity feels hollow and lacks the spiritual depth that could have made it more meaningful. It’s a movie about outward beauty that forgets to dive into the beauty of the soul.

The Cast: A Mixed Bag

Joey King, who takes the lead in Uglies, is an undeniably talented actress. She’s shown her chops in other films, but here, her performance feels a bit out of place. King, now in her twenties, struggles to convincingly play a teenager rebelling against the system. There’s something off about her portrayal—like she’s a bit too old for the role she’s trying to inhabit. This disconnect might be distracting for some viewers, especially Christian audiences who are looking for characters they can really relate to on a deeper level.

The supporting cast, while competent, doesn’t do much to elevate the film beyond its mediocrity. The performances are fine, but none of the characters feel fleshed out enough to be truly memorable. It’s a shame, because with the right cast and direction, Uglies could have had more emotional weight. Instead, it feels like another cookie-cutter YA movie that gets lost in the shuffle.

Fast-Paced, but Hollow

One thing Uglies does get right is its pacing. Thanks to McG’s fast-paced direction, the movie moves along quickly, and there’s rarely a dull moment. The CGI-enhanced visuals are also imaginative and lavish, creating a world that’s visually appealing, even if it lacks depth. For Christian viewers, however, the flashy visuals and fast pace might feel like a distraction from the film’s lack of substance.

The film’s focus on outward appearance, both in its characters and in its production, feels at odds with Christian values. As believers, we know that beauty is fleeting (Proverbs 31:30) and that what really matters is what’s on the inside. But Uglies seems more concerned with looking pretty than with offering any real substance. It’s like a shiny package that’s empty inside—nice to look at but ultimately forgettable.

An Outdated Adaptation

One of the biggest problems with Uglies is that it feels outdated. The YA dystopian genre had its heyday in the early 2010s, with films like The Hunger Games and Divergent dominating the box office. But in 2024, the genre feels tired and overdone. The themes of rebellion, non-conformity, and individuality, which once felt fresh, now feel like old news.

For Christian viewers, this is especially frustrating. The film could have used its platform to explore new moral dilemmas or to offer a fresh perspective on identity, but instead, it feels like a rehash of stories we’ve already seen. There’s nothing here that feels particularly relevant to today’s world or to the struggles that Christians face in navigating a culture obsessed with outward appearance.

Final Verdict: A Missed Opportunity

In the end, Uglies is a film that fails to live up to its potential. It’s not a bad movie, but it’s not a great one either. For Christian viewers, it’s a missed opportunity to explore deeper themes about identity, beauty, and worth. The film’s message of non-conformity feels worn out, and its overall execution leaves much to be desired.

If you’re looking for a YA dystopian film that will challenge you and make you think, Uglies isn’t it. It’s a film that you can watch without being offended, but it’s also one that you’ll likely forget soon after the credits roll. For Christian viewers looking for something more meaningful, this is one movie you can probably skip.

Rating: 4/10

Uglies gets a 4 out of 10 for its effort, but ultimately, it falls flat in both its storytelling and its moral complexity. It’s not a terrible film, but it’s certainly not one that will leave a lasting impression. If you’re a fan of the YA dystopian genre, you might enjoy it for what it is, but don’t expect to find much depth or spiritual significance.