It's an intriguing trend to transform beloved Disney stories into horror films, and while many rely on shock value and nostalgia, The Ugly Stepsister stands out as a thought-provoking reinterpretation of its source material. This Norwegian body horror film draws from the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, making it a fitting subject for the genre. Unlike some other adaptations, such as the more unexpected horror take on Winnie the Pooh, The Ugly Stepsister delves deep into its narrative.
The film doesn't shy away from graphic content, as evidenced by a reported vomiting incident at its Sundance premiere. It currently boasts an impressive 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's critic, Katie Rife, emphasized the film's intensity, 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 about testing your own limits, you can now watch The Ugly Stepsister from the comfort of your home.
How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online
### The Ugly Stepsister
You can stream The Ugly Stepsister on Shudder, a horror-focused streaming service priced at $7.50 per month, with a 7-day free trial available. Shudder is also included in AMC+ memberships. For those not interested in another subscription, the film is available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Prime Video.
The movie's transition to streaming platforms comes shortly after its U.S. theatrical release, but nearly five months following its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The Ugly Stepsister also premiered in Norway a month before reaching North American audiences, indicating a robust theatrical run for an independent horror film.
What's The Ugly Stepsister About?
The Ugly Stepsister (known as Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) draws inspiration from the Brothers Grimm's Cinderella, rather than Disney's version. According to IGN's review, "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 invited 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 Cast and Characters
The Ugly Stepsister marks the feature directorial debut of Emilie Blichfeldt. The cast includes:
- Lea Myren as Elvira
- Thea Sofie Loch Næss as Agnes
- Ane Dahl Torp as Rebekka, the stepmother
- Flo Fagerli as 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
- Cecilia Forss as Sophie von Kronenberg
