The Ugly Stepsister (2025) – Spoiler Free Review
If the shoe doesn’t fit…The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren) is a 2025 Norwegian body horror film co-written and directed by Emilie Blichfeldt in her directorial debut. It premiered on January 23, 2025 at the Sundance Film Festival, where it opened the Midnight Section. The film was released in theaters on April 18, 2025 in the United States and was released on May 9, 2025 on Shudder.
Follows Elvira as she battles against her gorgeous stepsister in a realm where beauty reigns supreme. She resorts to extreme measures to captivate the prince, amidst a ruthless competition for physical perfection.
Film synopsis
The cast includes Lea Myren as Elvira, Thea Sofie Loch Næss as Agnes, Ane Dahl Torp as Rebekka, Flo Fagerli as little sister 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, and Cecilia Forss as Sophie von Kronenberg.
Forget glass slippers and charming princes; “The Ugly Stepsister” (Den stygge stesøsteren) is a Norwegian body horror reimagining of Cinderella, told from the perspective of the classic fairy tale’s other side, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
What sets this reimagining apart is its unflinching commitment to the grotesque, realistic gore, and practical effects. This isn’t some CGI-laden spectacle; it’s visceral, it’s palpable, and it will absolutely make your skin crawl. The film brilliantly brings the dark side of the original tale to the forefront, including the detail of some missing toes.
Beyond the horror, the film’s costume design and cinematography are visually captivating and capture the essence of the story. Lea Myren’s acting carries a familiar story but manages to make it feel new and interesting, even though we already know the ending. Her performance is convincing, and paired with exceptional SFX makeup, everything her character goes through feels real.
“The Ugly Stepsister” (Den stygge stesøsteren) is a smart, disturbing, and unforgettable body horror reimagining of a fairy tale that offers a compelling commentary on society’s obsession with unattainable beauty standards. Ultimately, if you have a strong stomach and an appreciation for horror that delves into deeper societal critiques, “The Ugly Stepsister” (Den stygge stesøsteren) is absolutely worth watching. Just be prepared to see a beloved fairy tale twisted into something truly terrifying.
“The Ugly Stepsister” (Den stygge stesøsteren) is now available on Shudder.