The Ugly Stepsister (2025) is a Norwegian body horror film that offers a dark and twisted reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale. Directed by Emilie Blichfeldt in her feature debut, the film delves into themes of beauty, identity, and societal pressures through a visceral and unsettling narrative.
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Tittle: The Ugly Stepsister
Director: Emilie Blichfeldt
Writer: Emilie Blichfeldt
Genres: Fantasy, Horror, Drama, Dark Fairy Tale
Star: Lea Myren
Release Date: March 7, 2025 (Norway)
Original Languages: Norwegian
Country: Norway
Run Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Official Trailer
Release Date
Ott Platform
Storyline & Plot
Plot Overview:
In a fantastical kingdom where beauty dictates one's worth, Elvira, overshadowed by her stunning stepsister Agnes, becomes consumed with the desire to win Prince Julian's affection. Under the relentless influence of her ambitious mother, Rebekka, Elvira subjects herself to extreme and grotesque beauty treatments, including consuming a tapeworm to maintain her figure. Her journey is marked by painful transformations and a descent into obsession, highlighting the perilous lengths individuals might go to conform to societal beauty standards
Cast
Lea Myren as Elvira
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Thea Sofie Loch Næss as Agnes
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Ane Dahl Torp as Rebekka
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Flo Fagerli as Alma
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Isac Calmroth as Prince Julian
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Malte Gårdinger as Isak
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Ralph Carlsson as Otto
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Isac Aspberg as The Feinschmecker
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Albin Weidenbladh as The Omnivorous
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Oksana Czerkasyna as Cook
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Katarzyna Herman as Madame Vanja
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Adam Lundgren as Dr. Esthétique
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Willy Ramnek Petri as Frederik von Bluckfish
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Cecilia Forss as Sophie von Kronenberg
Other Movies:
FAQs
Q1: What is The Ugly Stepsister about?
A:
The film follows Elvira, the so-called "ugly" stepsister, as she struggles for recognition and love in a fantasy world where beauty equals power. Competing with her stunning stepsister Agnes to win the heart of Prince Julian, Elvira undergoes extreme and grotesque transformations, blurring the line between fairy tale and body horror.
Q2: Is it a horror movie?
A:
Yes, but not in the traditional sense. It's more of a psychological/body horror with dark fantasy elements. Think of it as Cinderella reimagined with a visceral, disturbing, and satirical edge.
Q3: Who directed the film?
A:
Emilie Blichfeldt, in her feature directorial debut.
Q4: What are the main themes of the film?
A:
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Obsession with physical beauty
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Social class and power
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Familial pressure
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Body image and identity
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The cost of transformation and perfection
Q5: Is this a feminist film?
A:
Yes, in many ways. It critiques societal beauty standards, explores female agency, and challenges traditional fairy tale tropes, particularly around what defines a "worthy" woman.
Q6: Where can I watch The Ugly Stepsister?
A:
It was released in Norwegian cinemas on March 7, 2025, and is coming to the US via IFC Films on April 18, 2025. It will be available on Shudder for streaming later in 2025 (not yet available in India). Some regions may also get it via MUBI.
Q7: Is it suitable for kids?
A:
No. Due to its graphic imagery, body horror, and mature themes, this film is not suitable for younger audiences.
Q8: Is it based on a book or true story?
A:
It’s inspired by classic versions of Cinderella (e.g., Brothers Grimm, Charles Perrault), but it’s an original reimagining written by Emilie Blichfeldt.
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