Film Review: The Ugly Stepsister

The Ugly Stepsister
Director: Emilie Blichfeldt
Mer Film, Zentropa
Streaming on AMC+: 05.09.2025 

When it comes to the image of fairy tales in people’s minds, most would picture the perfectly polished Disney versions that have saturated the zeitgeist. The clean lines and sweet melodies are engraved into our brains, but we often forget just how messed up these stories often are. The Little Mermaid sacrifices herself in the end, the Evil Queen in Snow White is forced to dance around in hot iron shoes and let’s not even delve into Sleeping Beauty. The point is, these fairy tales went to dark, almost depraved, places to get their message across, so it is always refreshing when we get a fairytale adaptation that is willing to go there. The Little Mermaid got The Lure, for Snow White it was Snow White: A Tale of Terror and now we have one for Cinderella, The Ugly Stepsister. 

Following in a similar vein as Wicked, The Ugly Stepsister looks at the events of the classic Cinderella story, but from the perspective of the stepsister, who in this film is named Elvira (Lea Myren). Unlike the beloved Mistress of the Dark, Elvira is an ugly duckling, with a hump on her nose, overweight (according to the movie) and wears braces to boot. Elvira’s prospects are low, however she often daydreams of one day being swept away and marrying Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth). Soon after meeting her new stepfather (Ralph Carlsson) and stepsister, Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss), her stepfather dies leaving the family destitute. As is expected, desperate times call for desperate measures. Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp), Elvira’s ambitious mother, puts her through the wringer to make her an eligible maiden capable of attracting the prince’s affections. Despite the protests of her younger sister Alma (Flo Fagerli), Elvira is more than willing to go along with everything from a medieval nose job to swallowing a tape worm. I guess this is what they meant when they said, “beauty is pain.” 

A fair warning, this movie is not for the squeamish. Despite the film not being the goriest thing I have seen, it definitely was one of the most visceral experiences I have had. This is coming from someone who could sit through The Substance without flinching and has a great appreciation for David Cronenberg. There were moments where I had to pause the film and compose myself. It never goes over the top, but what gets under your skin is just how plausible all the body horror is and the fact that the disfigurement is self-inflicted makes it that much harder to watch. 

Seeing such an unflinching portrayal of Elvira’s mutilation drove home the point of the movie. More than just a message about the harms of unattainable beauty standards, the story’s change in perspective also highlights how patriarchy destroys female solidarity. This need to be accepted by patriarchal standards not only leads to self-destruction and resentment, but we end up pulling others down with us, and it is only when we let go of the idea of competition that we can truly break free from those harmful influences. 

As for the visuals, let’s just say that this movie is as enchanting as it is grotesque. From the candy-colored dream sequences, to the intricately decorated sets, this film is a feast for the eyes. For fans of the ‘70s medieval revival era and films like Donkey Skin and Pink Narcissus this is definitely up your alley. The picture is always filled to the brim with eye catching details, it’s a maximalist’s dream. The gloomy atmosphere with overcast skies also helps to heighten Elvira’s suffering, while juxtaposing it with her technicolor dreamscapes. The music is also a highlight. Going for a synthy soundtrack, the jarring choice only enhances the unease that is built up throughout. In a way, it puts you into Elvira’s head as she slips deeper and deeper into her delusions as her body is pushed to the brink.

Fairytale retellings are so back! If films like 2005’s The Brothers Grimm disappointed you, yet piqued your interest in darker fairytale adaptations, then give The Ugly Stepsister a watch. Just remember to turn the subtitles on and don’t eat anything beforehand. It has all the whimsy and gore you need to get you through the sanitized Disney live-action apocalypse. —Angela Garcia 

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