The trend of transforming beloved childhood stories into horror films has seen a new addition with The Ugly Stepsister, a Norwegian body horror movie inspired by the Cinderella tale. Unlike other adaptations that lean heavily into shock value, this film offers a deeper commentary on its source material, exploring the gruesome lengths one might go to in pursuit of beauty.
The movie has garnered significant attention, with its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival causing a stir, including a reported incident of a viewer vomiting during the screening, as noted by Variety. Critics have praised the film, with a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's Katie Rife described it as pushing the boundaries of body horror, stating, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes."
For those curious to test their endurance, The Ugly Stepsister is now available for streaming at home.
How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online
### The Ugly Stepsister
You can watch The Ugly Stepsister on Shudder, a horror-focused streaming service that offers plans starting at $7.50 per month and includes a 7-day free trial. Shudder's library is also accessible with an AMC+ membership. If you're not looking to commit to another subscription, the film is available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Prime Video.
The film's transition to streaming comes swiftly, less than a month after its U.S. theatrical release and nearly five months following its premiere at Sundance. It also enjoyed a theatrical run in Norway a month prior to its North American debut, showcasing a strong performance for an independent horror film.
What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?
The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) draws its inspiration from the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella. According to IGN, the film delves into the harrowing world of cosmetic surgery, presenting scenes that, shockingly, reflect historical realities. The movie's focus on body horror intertwined with societal beauty standards has drawn comparisons to the previous year's The Substance. The official synopsis reads:
Determined to outshine her beautiful stepsister, Elvira resorts to extreme measures to win the prince's heart in this dark re-imagining of the Cinderella fairy tale.
The Ugly Stepsister Cast and Characters
The Ugly Stepsister marks the feature film debut of writer-director Emilie Blichfeldt. The cast includes:
- Lea Myren as Elvira
- Thea Sofie Loch Næss as Agnes
- Ane Dahl Torp as Rebekka, the stepmother
- Flo Fagerli as Alma
- Isac Calmroth as Prince Julian
- Malte Gårdinger as Isak
- Ralph Carlsson as Otto
- Isac Aspberg as The Feinschmecker
- Albin Weidenbladh as The Omnivorous
- Oksana Czerkasyna as Cook
- Katarzyna Herman as Madame Vanja
- Adam Lundgren as Dr. Esthétique
- Willy Ramnek Petri as Frederik von Bluckfish
- Cecilia Forss as Sophie von Kronenberg
