Ugly

The beauty industry, which thrives on the promise of flawless perfection, continuously reinforces the idea that ugliness must be eradicated or hidden. This categorization marginalises ugliness, pushing it to the side in terms of acceptable social standards. Beauty has become a currency system, determined by politics and economics. Capitalism and patriarchy define beauty for cultural consumption, rather than for pure enjoyment – as Greek philosophers stated.
UGLY is a satirical short film that imagines a fake brand selling body-enhancing products designed to “fix” you. Using vintage-inspired ads and surreal humour, the film critiques beauty standards, the beauty industry, and the absurdity of constantly reshaping ourselves to meet ever-changing ideals or trends. Through exaggerated visuals and dark comedy, UGLY exposes how consumer culture profits from our insecurities—one product at a time.

By mixing vintage-style visuals with futuristic concepts, the aim is to make the message seem even more absurd. The clash between the vintage look and the futuristic ideas helps highlight the contradictions in advertising, making the overall concept feel surreal and in line with the satirical approach . It challenges the viewer’s expectations and strengthens the points made about consumerism, beauty standards, and the commodification of the human body.

Ugly #1 Best Of Friends
A bra that changes chest size with a single pull.

Ugly #2 Why Settle For Ordinary?
Face scrapers and pink pruning scissors.

Ugly #3 Who Needs To Breath?
A waist trainer that will leave you breathless—literally.

DIRECTOR & PRODUCER Carla Vegas @carlavegastores DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Brandon Thirkettle @brandon.thirkettle_dop PHOTOGRAPHER Roxy Owen @roxy.owen.photo HAIR, MAKEUP & PROSTHETICS Nicolas Moore @nick_hmua DOP ASSISTANT Clara Amstalden @claraamstalden ON SET ASSISTANTS Leonie Widmann @leoniewidmann Sahil Chaudhary @lord_of_mirage TALENT Joana Bechaalany @joxnabechaalany Ginevra Caló @im.gingi Joshn Doyley @josh86 Tilly Woodward tilly_woodward Emma Maspero @emmamaspero