The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren)

The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren) (2025) Movie Synopsis

The Ugly Stepsister (2025), originally titled Den stygge stesøsteren, is a provocative debut from Norwegian director Emilie Blichfeldt that reimagines the Cinderella tale through a visceral lens of body horror and societal critique. Set in 18th-century Central Europe, the film centers on Elvira (Lea Myren), a plain and overlooked young woman who, under the coercive guidance of her ambitious mother Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp), undergoes harrowing cosmetic procedures to rival her beautiful stepsister Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) for the affections of Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth).

Blichfeldt’s narrative delves deep into the grotesque extremes of beauty standards, portraying Elvira’s transformation through unsettling scenes, such as the stitching of woolen eyelashes into her eyelids and the ingestion of a tapeworm to achieve a slimmer figure . These visceral depictions serve not merely for shock but to underscore the destructive nature of societal pressures on women, challenging traditional notions of femininity and desirability.

Critics have lauded the film’s daring approach, with The Guardian describing it as an “ingenious reworking of the fairy tale” that effectively blurs the lines between victim and villain . The film’s aesthetic, reminiscent of the works of Cronenberg and Borowczyk, combined with its dark humor, positions it as a standout in contemporary horror cinema. However, its graphic content has elicited strong reactions, with some viewers reportedly overwhelmed by its intensity.

Premiering at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and later showcased at the Berlin International Film Festival, The Ugly Stepsister has garnered attention for its bold storytelling and thematic depth . With a modest box office gross of $860,978, the film’s impact lies more in its cultural commentary than commercial success. Distributed by Scanbox Entertainment and available on Shudder in select regions, Blichfeldt’s debut offers a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of the perils of conforming to oppressive beauty ideals.

The Ugly Stepsister Trigger Breakdown