The Ugly Stepsister Movies (2025): A Dark and Twisted Fairy Tale Reimagining

Norwegian director Emilie Blichfeldt delivers a bold and gruesome reimagining of the classic Cinderella story with The Ugly Stepsister Movies (2025). This horror-infused fairy tale flips the traditional narrative, placing Elvira (Lea Myren) at the center—a young woman desperate to transform herself into society’s definition of beauty, no matter the cost.

Plot Overview

Elvira, the daughter of a struggling widow, finds herself thrust into a world of aristocracy when her mother marries into a wealthy family. However, when her stepfather suddenly dies, leaving them penniless, Elvira’s mother becomes obsessed with securing her daughter’s future by ensuring she catches the eye of Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth). What follows is a grotesque journey of self-modification, as Elvira undergoes painful cosmetic procedures—including nose reshaping, eyelash stitching, and even ingesting a tapeworm—to fit the kingdom’s beauty standards.

Themes and Execution

Blichfeldt’s film is a biting critique of societal beauty norms, exploring the extreme lengths women are pressured to go to in pursuit of perfection. The film’s body horror elements are reminiscent of Titane and The Substance, blending psychological tension with shocking visuals. The cinematography is stunning, juxtaposing the elegance of royal balls with the brutality of Elvira’s transformation.

Strengths and Weaknesses

The film’s biggest strength is its unapologetic approach to horror and satire. Lea Myren delivers a powerful performance, making Elvira’s descent into obsession both tragic and terrifying. However, some viewers may find the film’s graphic depictions unsettling, and its pacing occasionally drags in the second act.

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