23Apr
I got the opportunity to watch *The Ugly Stepsister* (2025), and I really enjoyed its fresh, creepytake on the Cinderella story. It focuses on Elvira, the “ugly” stepsister, and is directed by EmilieBlichfeldt. The film mixes unsettling body horror with a thoughtful look at how society’s focus on appearance can hurt people. Lea Myren gives a strong performance as Elvira, showing herjourney from hopeful to deeply wounded. Ane Dahl Torp is quietly intense as Rebekka, Elvira’scontrolling mother. The movie’s world feels like a fairy tale but with a dark, eerie edge that suitsthe story perfectly. There are some graphic scenes, like tapeworms and blood, but if you’re okay with that, it’s a great watch.
The film does a nice job turning the fairy-tale idea upside down. Elvira and her stepsister Agnes, played by Thea Sofie Loch Næss, feel like real people trapped in a world that demands perfection. It blends dark humor, emotion, and a message that lands without being heavy-handed. The pacing slows a bit at times, and it leans into the gore, which I don’t mind, but it stays engaging. It feels a bit like *The Substance* with its body horror, but the historical fairy-tale setting makes Elvira’s drastic choices seem believable and human. It’s creepy and thought-provoking, and it held my attention throughout.
The movie’s visuals are striking, with a haunting, fairy-tale look that’s both beautiful and disturbing. The music adds to the unsettling mood without overpowering the story. That said, it’s not flawless—Agnes’s storyline could have been fleshed out more, and the pacing dips when it focuses too long on the gruesome moments. Still, it’s compelling, and its exploration of what people do to fit in really stayed with me. The performances are excellent, and the visuals are memorable, even when they’re intense.
Overall, *The Ugly Stepsister* is a strong film that left me impressed. The ending feels a bit open-ended, and Agnes’s arc needed more development, but the great acting, vivid visuals, and meaningful themes make it worth watching. It’s available on Shudder starting April 18, 2025,and I recommend it if you like dark fairy tales or body horror. Just be prepared for some disturbing scenes, but also a powerful and engaging movie.
Bridgerton meets The Substance in upcoming Nordic body-horror In US Cinemas from 18th April & UK Cinemas from 25th April
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