How is Netflix’s Uglies different from the novel? Film vs book differences explored

Scott Westerfeld's dystopian novel, Uglies, has been captivating readers since its release in 2005. The book is set in a world where society makes everyone undergo compulsory surgery at the age of sixteen to become "Pretty." This physical as well as mental transformation creates conformity, which defies individuality.

The book series revolves around Tally Youngblood, a teenager on the brink of her transformation who begins to question the society in which she lives. In the Netflix adaptation of Uglies, starring Joey King as Tally and directed by McG, this compelling story is fleshed out but not in its entirety.

Although the movie remains true to the central theme of the book, it comes with some new elements and certain changes that go very well within the format of visual storytelling. This post discusses the primary differences between the novel and its Netflix adaptation, commenting in detail how such changes have played a vital role within the story and the characters.

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Key Differences between the book and the Netflix adaptation of Uglies

1) Character relationships:

One of the most striking changes from the book to the Netflix adaptation is in the relationship dynamics of the characters. In the novel, Uglies, Tally and Peris have a deep platonic friendship that does not, in any way, encourage romance. The film, however, suggests that they have romantic inclinations as they relate to each other.

2) The character of Dr. Cable:

In the novel, Dr. Cable is the mysterious and ominous head of the enigmatic organization of Special Circumstances. Her status is shrouded in complete mystery and is less accessible to public view than in the film version where the character is made to be more publically visible as the District Governor.

3) The Smoke and the Rangers:

The Rangers in this novel are the Pretties who fight white tiger orchids, an invasive weed infestation that is harmful to the environment. In the movie, the Rangers and the Smokies are combined into one job only, with the Smokies burning off the flower fields to preserve the environment.

4) Hoverboards:

Hoverboards play an important role in the novel, especially for traveling and escaping out of the Smoke. The film diminishes the significance of hoverboards in the Smoke. This leads to more character engagement with the surroundings.

5) Peris transformed:

In the novel, Peris is relegated to the background when he becomes a Pretty. The film provides Peris with an expanded storyline, where we witness how he struggles with the effects of the brain lesions that are devised to enforce conformity.

6. Walden novel:

The novel Walden by Henry David Thoreau is an important component of the book, it represents civil disobedience and radical thought. The film uses this novel as a passthrough for the Smokies, giving it much importance in their fight.

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The movie adaptation of Uglies by Scott Westerfeld modifies anything that could not be used in the film. Many components of the book are changed for the sake of better visual storytelling and character development.

For instance, the romantic tension between Tally and Peris, the comparatively stronger presence of Dr. Cable, and the two-in-one roles of the Rangers and Smokies are examples of how the movie version differs from the book. Although these differences are essential, they do not downplay the central message of the story. The movie and the book both invite viewers to question beauty culture and conformity.

The film adaptation of Uglies on Netflix brings a new interpretation of the 2005 story as it raises questions about beauty, identity, and resistance.