The fairytale of Cinderella gets a gruesome, satirical makeover in Emilie Blichfeldt’s debut feature, The Ugly Stepsister. Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, the Norwegian-Polish-Swedish-Danish co-production quickly established itself as a standout in the Midnight section, shocking and provoking audiences with its body horror elements and sharp commentary on beauty standards and societal pressures. The film, based on the Brothers Grimm version of the classic story, offers a chilling perspective from the often-vilified stepsister, exploring themes of ambition, desperation, and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve perceived perfection. The Ugly Stepsister isn’t a simple retelling; it’s a darkly comedic and unsettling exploration of what happens when the pursuit of beauty becomes an obsession.
Blichfeldt’s inspiration stemmed from a re-reading of the original Grimm tale, where the stepsisters’ punishment is far more brutal than the Disney adaptation suggests. “It was shocking to me to find this character in one of our most beloved fairy tales who has been despised, ridiculed, even mocked — and mocked by me!” Blichfeldt explained during the film’s premiere. “I wanted to be Cinderella… I realized there is only one Cinderella, and the rest of us struggling to fit in the shoe are stepsisters.” This realization sparked a desire to explore the motivations and struggles of these often-overlooked characters, framing the narrative around Elvira, played by Lea Myren, and her desperate attempts to secure a future for herself and her family.
A Twisted Take on a Classic Tale
The Ugly Stepsister (Norwegian: Den Stygge Stesøsteren) follows Elvira, one of two daughters of Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp), a widow who marries a wealthy widower with a beautiful daughter, Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss). When the new husband unexpectedly dies, leaving Rebekka and her daughters in debt, Elvira is tasked with securing a marriage to the local prince. However, she is acutely aware of her own perceived shortcomings compared to the radiant Agnes. The film doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of this struggle, depicting Elvira’s increasingly desperate and disturbing attempts to transform her appearance, driven by her mother’s relentless ambition. The film’s $4.2 million budget according to Wikipedia, allowed for a visually striking and unsettling portrayal of these transformations.
The film’s impact at Sundance was immediate. Senior programmer John Nein warned the audience that this was “a really twisted retelling of Cinderella that I reckon really relishes being a lot closer to the Grimms’ version than the version you might have seen when you were 7.” The premiere reportedly elicited gasps and groans from the audience, particularly during scenes depicting Elvira’s extreme physical alterations. The film’s willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about beauty standards and body image resonated with viewers, sparking conversations about the pressures faced by women in society. The film’s success continued at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, where it screened in the Panorama section in February 2025 as noted by Wikipedia. It further garnered recognition by winning the Director’s Choice for Best Feature at the Boston Underground Film Festival in March 2025.
Body Horror and Feminist Commentary
The Ugly Stepsister firmly places itself within the growing subgenre of feminist body horror, alongside films like Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, Julia Ducournau’s Titane, and Hanna Bergholm’s Hatching. These films utilize visceral and often disturbing imagery to explore themes of female agency, societal expectations, and the control of women’s bodies. Blichfeldt herself acknowledges this connection, stating, “It makes so much sense to me, the feminist body horror wave that we are experiencing, and I think it’s so cool and I am blessed to be part of it.” She further explained that for centuries, women have been treated as objects, and this wave of filmmaking is a response to that historical objectification, reclaiming the narrative and exploring the complexities of the female experience.
The film’s unsettling visuals are not gratuitous; they serve to underscore the psychological toll of Elvira’s desperation. The narrative doesn’t simply depict physical transformation; it delves into the emotional and mental consequences of striving for an unattainable ideal. Lea Myren’s performance is central to this success, portraying Elvira with a vulnerability and complexity that prevents her from becoming a one-dimensional villain. Myren’s “guttural scream” was singled out as particularly impactful, highlighting the character’s inner turmoil and desperation. The film’s soundtrack, inspired by composers like Goblin (known for their work on Suspiria), further enhances the unsettling atmosphere, with the sounds of Elvira’s extreme dieting adding another layer of discomfort.
Critical and Commercial Reception
The Ugly Stepsister received a theatrical release in Norway on March 7, 2025, followed by releases in Denmark on May 28, 2025, and Sweden on June 13, 2025 according to its Wikipedia page. The film has grossed $5.6 million worldwide to date. Critics have praised the film’s originality, its willingness to subvert expectations, and its thought-provoking themes. The film was also nominated for the Best Makeup and Hairstyling Award at the 98th Academy Awards, recognizing the artistry and skill involved in creating the film’s disturbing visuals.
The film’s success highlights a growing appetite for genre films that challenge conventional narratives and explore complex social issues. The Ugly Stepsister is not a comfortable watch, but it is a compelling and ultimately rewarding one, offering a fresh and unsettling perspective on a beloved fairytale. It’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the pressures we face to conform to societal beauty standards and the consequences of prioritizing appearance over authenticity.
As of March 10, 2026, Notice no confirmed updates regarding further awards or international distribution plans for The Ugly Stepsister. However, the film continues to be discussed within film circles and is available for streaming on various platforms, allowing audiences to experience this unique and disturbing take on the Cinderella story.
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