Warning! Spoilers for Netflix’sUglies ahead!
Neflix’sUgliesbrings the future to the small screen with various unique gadgets and technology to set the scene. The film is based on the book series by author Scott Westerfeld, set in a dystopian future following civilization’s return from near collapse. Humanity’s overreliance on fossil fuels and wars nearly destroyed the planet, and to keep things going, those who survived came together to construct a plan for a thriving utopia. Of course, the paradise inUgliesisn’t quite what it seems.
While there are a lot of problems with mandatory cosmetic procedures that hide mind-controlling brain damage, the generations of peace inUgliesleft a lot of room for technological advancements. The world in which Tally Youngblood lives is full of conveniences sinceher city is meant to make life basically effortless for the near-mindless Pretties. This is also a world that prioritizes leisure and entertainment—as well as totalitarian government control—so much of the technology and gadgets seen inNetflix’sUgliesare aimed at these purposes.
21Bungee Jackets
Magnetic Jackets Meant For Fire Emergencies
Safety is a significant focus in Tally’s city, and New Pretty Town especially is full of measures to ensure that the next generation is safe. Bungee Jackets are life-vest-looking garments thatallow a person to launch themselves off a burning building and safely bounce their way to the ground. In Tally’s case inUglies, Bungee Jackets are always useful for making a dramatic escape from a penthouse party.
20Crash Bracelets
Magnetic Cuffs To Protect From Minor Falls
Similar to Bungee jackets, crash bracelets are safety measures that use magnets to keepUglies and Prettiesalike from going splat. However, these electronic cuffs are only safe to use for relatively small falls (not from skyscrapers).They are typically used in tandem with a hoverboardand ensure that any big wipeouts end with the rider being carefully (more or less) lowered to the ground by their wrist.
19Holograms
The Classic Holograms
Holograms aren’t necessarily unique to theUgliesseries, but Netflix’s movie manages to present them in an interesting way.It’s through a hologram that audiences are first introduced to Dr. Cable, the governor of Netflix’s version of Tally’s city. This virtual recording of Dr. Cable seems to be played at every New Pretty ceremony, welcoming Uglies turning 16 into their moment of metamorphosis before they head to New Pretty Town.
Interface rings use holograms to display pings and images inUglies.
18Holes In The Wall
Built In Nano Printers For Anything Uglies/Pretties Need
Every apartment orUglyville dorm inUglieshas a hole in the wall, which can provide the residents with virtually anything they could want or need.There is something like a 3D printer insidethat can quickly produce clothing, hygiene products, toys, electronics, and food when asked. Everything made is recyclable, and Uglies and Pretties can simply toss their item back into the hole in the wall so that the materials can be reused.
17Hoverboards
Flying Boards For Travel & Tricks
Hoverboards are always a fun addition to any futuristic story, andUgliesknows how to do them right. These are used throughout Westerfeld’s book series and were finally brought to the screen in Netflix’s adaptation. Standard boards use magnetics to fly, butsome special ones are built with motors and lifting fansthat allow them to work like mini drones. Uglies are especially known for using hoverboards to perform all kinds of tricks.
16Hovercars
The Obligatory Futuristic Flying Cars
The only land cars typically seen in the world ofUgliesare the rusty ones abandoned near ancient ruins.
The only land cars typically seen in the world ofUgliesare the rusty ones abandoned near ancient ruins. Instead, the futuristic citizens of Tally’s city get around through hovercars, which function like hoverboards in that they typically use magnetics. Of course,some models allow government officials to travel outside the citygrid utilizing massive fans. Hovercars inUgliescan be piloted by Middle Pretties or the city interface.
15Eye Screens
Eye Enhancements In The World Of Uglies
Near the beginning ofUglies, Tally and Perisare seen wearing high-tech glasses that allow them to zoom in and take a closer look at the smallest details in New Pretty Town. Such technology was never described this way in Westerfeld’sUgliesbooks. Instead,Pretties’s eyes could be fitted with eye screens that only they could see, which could also zoom in or out on their surroundings.
14Forcefields
Glass Is Out, Forcefields Are In
Rather than glass, Tally’s window is conveniently blocked off by a forcefield that she can control with her interface ring. Of course, the forcefields are designed to stay put during certain hours, regardless of an Ugly’s command. However,Tally figured out a way to use her ring to confuse the minders, which means she can pretty much open her window and escape any time she wants.
13Instant Food
Rehydrated Food For Travel
On Tally’s journey across the country to the Smoke, she was equipped with instant food. These are essentially dehydrated meals that can be reconstituted with hot water. Of course, this isn’t a concept entirely unheard of today, butthe world ofUglieshas perfected the idea of instant food, allowing for fairly complex means like SpagBol, spaghetti bolognese. Unfortunately, this was the only type of instant food that Tally had on her trip, so she got pretty tired of it by the time she reached the Smoke.
12Interface Rings
A Device To Connect Uglies/Pretties To The City Interface
Interface rings are how every citizen, Pretty or Ugly, interacts with the city inUglies. Without a ring, a person is basically invisible. They can’t talk to the room, won’t be recognized by an elevator to give commands, and can’t be tracked by government officials. Interface rings are also how people like Tally communicate with their friends, take pictures, set alarms and reminders, and much, much more. They areessentially smartphone jewelry.
Uglies Soundtrack Guide: Every Song & When They Play In The Movie
Tally Youngblood’s story in Uglies is accompanied by an excellent soundtrack, with both original compositions and songs from varying artists.
