by Olivia May 12,2025
It's become a trend to transform beloved children's stories into horror films, tapping into the nostalgia of audiences. However, The Ugly Stepsister stands out by offering a profound commentary on its source material. This Norwegian body horror film, inspired by the Cinderella tale from the Brothers Grimm, delves deeper into the genre than typical adaptations like Winnie the Pooh.
The film doesn't shy away from its gruesome nature, as evidenced by a reported vomiting incident at its Sundance premiere. It has garnered critical acclaim, boasting a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's Katie Rife praised the film, stating, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes."
If you're curious to test your own limits, The Ugly Stepsister is now available for home viewing.
### The Ugly Stepsister
You can stream The Ugly Stepsister on Shudder, a horror-focused streaming service that starts at $7.50/month and offers a 7-day free trial. Shudder is also included in AMC+ memberships. For those not interested in another subscription, the film is available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Prime Video.
The movie's transition to streaming comes shortly after its U.S. theatrical release, but nearly five months after its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It also premiered in Norway a month before reaching North American audiences, indicating a successful run for an independent horror film.
The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) draws inspiration from the Brothers Grimm's version of Cinderella. According to IGN, "The Ugly Stepsister depicts crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." The film's exploration of body horror and beauty standards has drawn comparisons to last year's The Substance. Here's the official synopsis:
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 marks the feature film debut of writer-director Emilie Blichfeldt. The cast includes:
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