The trend of transforming beloved children's stories into horror films has taken a fascinating turn with "The Ugly Stepsister," a Norwegian body horror movie inspired by the classic Cinderella tale. Unlike many entries in this genre that primarily rely on shock value and nostalgia, "The Ugly Stepsister" offers a thought-provoking commentary on its source material. This film delves into the darker themes of beauty and suffering, presenting a narrative that resonates on a deeper level.
At its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, "The Ugly Stepsister" made headlines for its intense scenes, with Variety reporting a viewer vomiting during the screening. Despite the visceral reactions, the film has been critically acclaimed, boasting a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN critic 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."
For those curious about their own tolerance for such intense content, "The Ugly Stepsister" is now available for home viewing.
### The Ugly Stepsister
You can stream "The Ugly Stepsister" on Shudder, a premier horror streaming service that starts at just $7.50 per month and offers a 7-day free trial. Shudder's extensive library is also accessible through an AMC+ subscription. For viewers not looking to commit to another service, the film is available to rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Prime Video.
The movie's transition to streaming services came swiftly, less than a month after its U.S. theatrical release, and nearly five months following its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It also premiered in Norway a month before reaching North American audiences, showcasing a successful run for an independent horror film.
"The Ugly Stepsister" (known as Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) draws its inspiration from the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, not the Disney adaptation. According to IGN's review, the film "depicts crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." This blend of body horror and commentary on beauty standards has invited comparisons to the previous year's "The Substance." The official synopsis of "The Ugly Stepsister" reads:
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.
Directed by Emilie Blichfeldt in her debut feature, "The Ugly Stepsister" features a talented cast bringing the story to life:
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