If the disheartening lack of creativity in Disney’s live-action remakes leaves one thinking these timeless stories have, in fact, run their course, leave it to Norwegian director Emilie Blichfeldt to find new life (and blood) with the Cinderella tale. Her impressively mounted, darkly macabre first feature follows Elvira (Lea Myren, in a fantastic feature-debut performance) living in the shadow of her stepsister Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Naess) as they vie for the attention of the Prince (Isac Calmroth). A twisted body horror take on the classic tale for how it explores the costs of beauty, The Ugly Stepsister is not afraid to dive into the unflinchingly gruesome while packing an impressive sense of empathy.
Drawing from the Brothers Grimm incarnation (a darker approach complete with self-mutilation) Blichfeldt sets her debut apart from the recent cash-grab horror adaptations of Peter Pan and Winnie the Pooh in both craft and pathos. Desperate for the Prince’s affection as glimpsed in fever dreams, Elvira will go to any length to bend and break her body to achieve a certain standard of beauty, all under the encouragement of her domineering, newly widowed mother Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp). Early scenes of zit-popping and nose-corrective “surgery” set the stage for bodily torment involving eyes, toes, and stomach all in the name of seeking true happiness through a man’s approval. Even the lesser Cronenberg-ian body horror elements––e.g. a spaghetti-slurping scene––provide an uneasiness not seen since the likes of Joel Potrykus’ Buzzard. Such pursuit of the grotesque is certainly not new territory, as seen in the exhausting lengths gone with the Oscar-nominated The Substance. But where Coralie Fargeat threw everything at the wall until it crumbled under the weight of any heavy-handed metaphor available, Blichfeldt shows a knack for structure and tension-building. The ballroom finale and search for the slipper’s true owner is a stomach-churning, visceral spectacle for the last gasps for an embrace that will never come.
By flipping the story’s central perspective from Cinderella to a stepsister, Blichfeldt is asking the audience to place their sympathy in a character more or less villainized for centuries. She found the perfect conduit with Myren, who effectively conjures both the short-lived ebullience and utter misery of striving for perfect beauty, all in order to potentially please a man who’s no more than a symbol to her. While there’s no fairy godmother, per se, the next closest is a sexist, misogynistic pig that provides a dress for Elvira. On the surface, these tweaks could be seen as a revisionist, feminist-forward vision of a tale as old as time, but peeling under its lushly-twisted surface, The Ugly Stepsister’s downcast message is more about the suffocatingly limited potential for female independence across almost all characters of classic fairytales. The very stories we repeat ad nauseam across generations to entertain and even inspire children from a young age.
Somewhat evoking Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, courtesy of Vilde Tuv and Kaada’s anachronistic score and elegant cinematography from Marcel Zyskind (who captures both the Polish castle and the costumes from Lars von Trier’s regular designer Manon Rasmussen in all their glory), The Ugly Stepsister eschews a certain staidness that can afflict period dramas. While Blichfeldt might revel in the gruesomeness to a touch too much, this is a well-crafted debut––commendable in the unexpected, gnarled ways it finds sympathy with the downcast and dismissed.
The Ugly Stepsister premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and will be released by IFC Films/Shudder.
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The Story So Far
In a dark and macabre twist on the classic Cinderella tale, director Emilie Blichfeldt presents "The Ugly Stepsister," a gripping narrative that delves into the extreme lengths one woman goes to in pursuit of beauty and love, all under the oppressive gaze of societal expectations. Elvira, overshadowed by her stepsister Agnes, embarks on a twisted journey that explores the true costs of conforming to standards of beauty set by others. As she navigates a world filled with grotesque challenges and unattainable ideals, Elvira’s quest for happiness takes a chilling turn that will leave audiences both horrified and empathetic.
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Review
Exploring the Darker Side of Fairytales
- Blichfeldt’s unique take on the Cinderella story goes beyond the traditional narrative, offering viewers a glimpse into the harrowing consequences of societal beauty standards and patriarchal expectations. By focusing on Elvira, the overlooked stepsister, the film challenges long-held perceptions and invites audiences to reconsider the roles of women in classic tales.
- The incorporation of body horror elements adds a visceral layer to the story, showcasing the physical and emotional toll of Elvira’s relentless pursuit of perfection. From disturbing surgical procedures to unsettling transformations, the film doesn’t shy away from the gruesome realities of striving for external validation.
- Through Elvira’s character, brilliantly portrayed by Lea Myren, the audience is taken on a rollercoaster of emotions, from moments of fleeting hope to deep despair. Myren’s performance captures the nuanced complexities of a woman trapped in a cycle of self-destruction, seeking validation from a world that constantly belittles her worth.
A Cinematic Triumph
- From the hauntingly beautiful cinematography to the evocative score, "The Ugly Stepsister" is a visual feast that transports viewers to a world imbued with darkness and elegance. Marcel Zyskind’s masterful camerawork captures the intricate details of the Polish castle and the sumptuous costumes, creating a mesmerizing backdrop for the unfolding drama.
- The film’s anachronistic score, composed by Vilde Tuv and Kaada, adds a modern twist to the period setting, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the story. The juxtaposition of classical elements with contemporary sounds creates a sense of timelessness that complements the narrative’s themes of tradition and rebellion.
- Through meticulous attention to detail and a keen eye for visual storytelling, Blichfeldt crafts a cinematic experience that is both captivating and thought-provoking. Each frame is imbued with symbolism and subtext, inviting viewers to unravel the layers of meaning hidden beneath the surface.
A Feminist Retelling
- By subverting the traditional Cinderella narrative and giving agency to the once-maligned stepsister, Blichfeldt presents a feminist interpretation that challenges conventional gender roles and expectations. Elvira’s journey becomes a poignant commentary on the limitations imposed on women by a society that values superficial beauty over inner strength.
- The film’s exploration of female independence and resilience resonates with contemporary audiences, highlighting the enduring relevance of age-old fairytales in shaping our perceptions of gender and identity. Through Elvira’s struggles and triumphs, "The Ugly Stepsister" offers a powerful message of empowerment and self-discovery.
- In a genre dominated by male-centric stories, Blichfeldt’s bold vision stands out as a beacon of female creativity and storytelling. By centering the narrative on a complex and multifaceted female character, the film challenges the status quo and paves the way for more inclusive and diverse representations in cinema.
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Conclusion
"The Ugly Stepsister" is a chilling and captivating reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale, offering audiences a fresh perspective on beauty, love, and female empowerment. Through its darkly macabre lens, the film explores the twisted consequences of societal expectations and the enduring quest for validation in a world driven by superficial standards. With stunning visuals, powerful performances, and a thought-provoking narrative, Emilie Blichfeldt’s debut feature is a triumph of storytelling that will linger in the minds of viewers long after the credits roll.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the central theme of "The Ugly Stepsister"?
The film delves into the dark side of beauty standards, patriarchal expectations, and the quest for validation in a society that values outward appearances over inner worth.
2. How does Lea Myren’s performance contribute to the film’s impact?
Myren’s portrayal of Elvira is pivotal to the film’s success, as she brings depth, emotion, and complexity to a character trapped in a cycle of self-destruction and longing for acceptance.
3. What sets "The Ugly Stepsister" apart from traditional fairy tale adaptations?
Blichfeldt’s feminist reinterpretation of the Cinderella story subverts traditional gender roles, challenges societal norms, and offers a fresh perspective on female agency and empowerment.
4. How does the film explore the concept of female independence?
Through Elvira’s journey of self-discovery and resilience, the film underscores the limitations imposed on women by society and advocates for a more inclusive and diverse representation of female characters in cinema.
5. What visual elements make "The Ugly Stepsister" a cinematic triumph?
The film’s stunning cinematography, evocative score, and meticulous attention to detail create a visually immersive experience that transports viewers to a world of darkness, elegance, and symbolism.
6. How does the anachronistic score enhance the storytelling in "The Ugly Stepsister"?
The modern twist on the period setting adds a layer of complexity and timelessness to the narrative, complementing the film’s themes of tradition, rebellion, and transformation.
7. What message does "The Ugly Stepsister" convey to its audience?
The film offers a powerful message of empowerment, self-discovery, and resilience, encouraging viewers to challenge societal norms, embrace their inner strength, and redefine notions of beauty and worth.
8. How does Blichfeldt’s direction elevate the storytelling in "The Ugly Stepsister"?
Blichfeldt’s bold vision, keen eye for visual storytelling, and nuanced approach to character development create a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with audiences on a profound level.
9. What impact does the film’s feminist reinterpretation have on the classic Cinderella tale?
By centering the narrative on a once-vilified stepsister and exploring her struggles, triumphs, and complexities, the film challenges long-held perceptions of gender roles, beauty standards, and female identity.
10. How does "The Ugly Stepsister" contribute to the evolution of fairy tale adaptations in contemporary cinema?
The film sets a new standard for feminist storytelling, inclusive representation, and creative reimaginings of classic tales, paving the way for more diverse, empowering, and thought-provoking narratives in the future.
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Tags: Cinderella, The Ugly Stepsister, Emilie Blichfeldt, Lea Myren, Dark Fantasy, Feminist, Body Horror, Female Empowerment, Fairy Tale Retelling, Cinematic Triumph.