Introduction
Laverne Cox, an Emmy-winning actress and prominent LGBTQ+ advocate, has been trending recently, with over 10,000+ searches in recent days. The reason? Cox plays a key role in Netflix’s adaptation of Uglies, a dystopian novel by Scott Westerfeld. Released in 2024, the film has garnered significant attention, both for its star-studded cast and its controversial storyline. Cox’s involvement in the project has reignited discussions about societal norms, beauty standards, and the ethics of cosmetic surgery––issues she has long been vocal about.
In this article, we’ll explore why Laverne Cox is currently in the spotlight, delve into her role in Uglies, and summarize the critical reception of this new Netflix title.
Laverne Cox's Role in Uglies
In Uglies, Laverne Cox plays Dr. Cable, a character who holds a position of authority in a dystopian future where teens are required to undergo mandatory plastic surgery. The premise of the movie revolves around a world where beauty is dictated by strict societal standards, and cosmetic surgery is seen as the solution to inequality. Dr. Cable is deeply involved in enforcing these rules and shaping the future of this dystopian world.
Cox's portrayal of Dr. Cable has brought her back into the public eye, particularly because the film's themes align with some of her long-standing advocacy on issues like body image and societal beauty standards. As a transgender woman who has consistently broken barriers in Hollywood, Cox’s involvement in a film that critiques societal pressures around beauty adds deeper layers of meaning to the role.
The Uglies Film: A Dystopian Critique of Beauty Standards
Uglies is based on the popular Young Adult (YA) book series by Scott Westerfeld, and it has been adapted into a Netflix movie starring Joey King, Chase Stokes, and Laverne Cox. The story is set in a future where teenagers are required to undergo extreme cosmetic surgeries to fit into a uniform standard of beauty. The premise explores how the pursuit of physical perfection can lead to a loss of individuality and autonomy.
Cox’s Dr. Cable is a central figure in this dystopian society, enforcing the rules and ensuring that everyone conforms to the societal expectations of beauty. As the film progresses, it becomes clear that the world of Uglies is a mirror for our own, filled with commentary on the pressures people face to look a certain way in order to be accepted.
Critical Reception of Uglies
Despite being a highly anticipated release, Uglies has received mixed to negative reviews from critics. The movie has been criticized for not fully exploring its dystopian premise, and many reviewers have found its execution underwhelming.
According to The New York Times, Uglies attempts to tackle significant themes like inequality and societal beauty standards but ultimately falls short in execution. The review describes the movie as a cautionary tale about the dangers of cosmetic surgery, but it notes that the film's message is often muddled, leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
Similarly, TheWrap offers a scathing critique, describing the film as "boring, baffling, and insulting." The reviewer points out that the film’s premise—a future where mandatory plastic surgery is the norm—had the potential to be thought-provoking but was instead delivered in a way that felt uninspired. The performances, including Cox’s, were praised, but the writing and pacing were seen as major flaws.
The Chicago Sun-Times also weighed in, stating that while Uglies has a "wild premise," it fails to capitalize on its potential. The review highlights that the film never fully rises above average, despite the star power of actors like Laverne Cox and Joey King. The movie’s preachy tone and lack of depth were cited as reasons for its lukewarm reception.
Why Laverne Cox’s Involvement Matters
Laverne Cox’s role in Uglies is particularly significant given her history of advocacy around body image, beauty standards, and the treatment of marginalized identities. Cox has consistently used her platform to speak out against harmful societal expectations and has openly discussed her experiences as a transgender woman navigating the entertainment industry.
Her portrayal of Dr. Cable in Uglies not only brings attention to the film but also reignites conversations about the societal pressures that young people—especially women and members of the LGBTQ+ community—face regarding their appearance. Cox’s involvement in such a project feels like a natural extension of her activism, and it is likely one reason why her name has been trending alongside the film.
Conclusion
Laverne Cox’s role in Netflix’s Uglies has put her back in the spotlight, both for her acting and for the film’s exploration of important themes related to beauty and societal norms. While Uglies has received mixed reviews, Cox’s involvement continues to generate buzz, particularly because of the alignment of the film's themes with her personal advocacy.
As the conversation around Uglies evolves, it will be interesting to see how the film impacts broader discussions about beauty standards and whether it will inspire more nuanced portrayals of these issues in future media projects.