The very first scene in Netflix’sUgliesmovie is a subtle, deep-cut reference to the book. The sci-fi film is based on the book of the same name by Scott Westerfeld, and while there are many differences between the two, there’s plenty that is bound to stand out to book fans. TheUgliesmovie took a different approach with its opening, featuring Joey King’s voiceover explaining the end of modern civilization and the start of the Pretty regime. Still,some imagery here seems inspired by a significantUgliesbook line.
TheUgliesbookpicks up with Tally looking at the early summer sky, thinking about how her best friend Peris had become Pretty and left her behind in Uglyville. TheUgliesmovie, on the other hand, begins with Tally’s explanation of her dystopian future beforesegueing into the final night Tally and Peris share before the latter’s operation. This change provided visual audiences with a little additional exposition, which is typically hard to pull off in the same way as a book. However, this isn’t to say thatUgliesomittedallthe elements of the book’s original opening moment.
Uglies Cast & Character Guide
Scott Westerfeld’s popular YA book, Uglies, was finally brought to the screen, and Netflix managed a fantastic cast to take on these roles.
The Color Of The Sky In Uglies' First Scene Is A Deep Cut Book Reference
The Uglies Movie Opens On A Cat-Vomit Sky
The first line inWestefeld’sUgliesbook sees Tally compare the color of the sky to “cat vomit,“which is a pretty memorable way to kick off a book series. She goes on to say that the salmon pink sky would have been beautiful if she hadn’t been so miserable without Peris, but this is never a line or sentiment we see King’s version of the character expressed in the movie. However,the very first scene in theUgliesmovie is a cat-vomit pink sunset, quickly obscured by smoke, as Tally describes the end of the world. It’s an extremely subtle reference but one that avidUgliesbook fans might pick up on.
Why Tally’s “Cat Vomit” Observation Was Important In The Uglies Book
The Opening Book Line Set The Tone For The Series
While a cat-vomit-colored sky seems like a relatively minor detail, this has long been a memorable feature of Westerfeld’sUgliesbook. The comparison was enough to catch readers off guard and get them hooked, andit was a perfect introduction to Tally’s character as well. Still, the meaning here went far beyond just this. A beautiful, pink sunset described as being the color of cat vomit is perfectly in tune with the overall theme ofUglies—this idea that a person’s perception of beauty can be completely altered. Additionally, Tally’s first comment in the book establishes what things were like inside her ugly mind.
A beautiful, pink sunset described as being the color of cat vomit is perfectly in tune with the overall theme ofUglies…
The first line of theUgliessequel novel,Pretties, contrasts with Tally’s cat-vomit line: “Getting dressed was always the hardest part of the afternoon.” Officially a Pretty, the protagonist’s mind was focused on entirely different things, with all ugly thoughts removed. Of course, it doesn’t stay that way. Tally goes through several transformations in the books, but she always finds her way back to being herself (for better or worse).The girl who described the sky in such a disgusting way is never entirely lost. By subtly referencing Tally’s line, Netflix’sUgliesmaintained just a bit of this without ever saying “cat vomit” out loud.
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.
