A new sci-fi book-to-movie adaptation,Uglies, was just released on Netflix, and it is the perfect excuse to revisit one of Jenna Ortega’s most underrated movies.Ugliesis a brand-new sci-fi action movie starring Joey King, Brianne Tju, Chase Stokes, and Laverne Cox that is based on a 2005young adult book seriesby Scott Westerfield.Ugliestakes place in a dystopian future where individuals undergo intense cosmetic surgeryto become more attractive. However, as 16-year-old Tally’s procedure nears, she discovers what life is like outside of society’s beauty standards.
Ugliesis a particularly exciting release for Netflix. Not only does the film have a star-studded cast, but it also has a pre-existing fan base due to Westerfield’s 2005 book. On top of that,Uglieswas also in the works for nearly a decadebefore releasing. Though the movie was optioned in 2006, it took eight years to get it made. Now, many audiences are likely thrilled to see it finally available to stream. Many may be wondering what this has to do with Jenna Ortega. Her connection to the new series ultimately comes down toUglies’cast and crew.
Uglies' McG Also Directed Netflix’s Jenna Ortega Horror Movie The Babysitter: Killer Queen
What Makes The Babysitter: Killer Queen So Underrated
Four years before directingUglies,McG directed the Jenna Ortega horror movie,The Babysitter: Killer Queen.This film is the sequel to 2017’sThe Babysitterand follows Cole Johnson two years after his babysitter and her satanic cult plotted to kill him. Once again, Cole finds himself amid its gruesome activities but discovers a friend and romantic interest in newcomer Phoebe Atwell. Though the film earned a less-than-average 48% on Rotten Tomatoes,Ortega’s performance as Phoebe is sweet, exciting, and completely underrated.
Like inXorScream, Ortega plays a young woman who is in danger of being killed, but rather than suffering a horrifying fate, Phoebe survives by being intelligent and resourceful.
Jenna Ortega’s performance inThe Babysitter: Killer Queenis great because it is reminiscent of her othermodern scream queen roles, yet gives a bit of a different perspective. Like inXorScream, Ortega plays a young woman who is in danger of being killed, but rather than suffering a horrifying fate, Phoebe survives by being intelligent and resourceful. She manages to escape in unique ways and is a major help to Cole. Plus, their romance is an incredibly touching addition to the slasher franchise. Overall,The Babysitter: Killer Queenis an Ortega movie that deserves more attention.
Uglies' Popularity Can Give McG Another Netflix Genre Franchise After The Babysitter Movies
Will Uglies Get A Sequel?
After directingUglies,McG has another chance at leading a big movie franchise. His time onTerminatorwas cut fairly short, andThe Babysitterfranchise only earned two movies. However,ifUgliesdoes well, it could give McG yet another chance to build a fully-fledged movie franchise. There arethreeUgliessequels, which means three more movies could be on the horizon. SinceUgliesonly recently premiered, there is still plenty of time for the movie to receive a boost in success.
Uglies Ending Explained: What That Final Tally Scene Really Means
Netflix’s sci-fi book adaptation, Uglies, ends with an ambiguous twist, leaving some questions about Tally that a potential sequel could answer.
At this point,Uglies’future is pretty unclear, however. Currently, the film has a 19% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes and a 53% audience score. Viewers enjoyed the movie much more than critics, but even then, it may not be enough to kickstart a franchise. Despite that, this isn’t a definitive end forUglies. Plenty of Netflix movies have had rough starts, but later, became incredibly popular. Thus, audiences will simply have to wait and see ifUgliescan gain enough acclaim to merit a sequel.
Uglies
Cast
In a futuristic society where everyone undergoes compulsory cosmetic surgery at 16 to become “pretty,” Tally eagerly awaits her transformation. However, when her friend goes missing, she embarks on a journey that challenges her beliefs about beauty, conformity, and rebellion, ultimately questioning the foundations of their world.
