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The Ugly Stepsister

Play trailer 1:48 Poster for The Ugly Stepsister Apr 2025 1h 45m Horror Comedy Mystery & Thriller Play Trailer Watchlist
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96% Tomatometer 138 Reviews 87% Popcornmeter 50+ Verified Ratings
In a twisted take on the classic Cinderella story, 'The Ugly Stepsister' follows Elvira as she battles to compete with her insanely beautiful stepsister. In a fairy-tale kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira will go to any lengths to catch the Prince's eye. 'The Ugly Stepsister' is the gory tale of the blood and sweat, grit and gold that goes into making Elvira the belle of the ball.
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The Ugly Stepsister

The Ugly Stepsister

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Critics Consensus

Taking a hammer and chisel to a quintessential fairy tale, The Ugly Stepsister's masterful application of gore and subversion are the stuff that nightmares are made of.

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Critics Reviews

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Sergio Burstein Los Angeles Times Aug 12
Beyond what its scenes of violence might imply, the director's staging is extremely elegant and meticulous. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Amy Nicholson FilmWeek (LAist) May 20
I really loved the lead performance, this sister who is really committed to try and do everything right. Go to Full Review Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Apr 28
3/5
That’s impressive — 30 years of film criticism and this is the first time that I’ve had to turn away from the screen for fear of retching. Go to Full Review Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm 9h
2.5/4
The Substance by way of the Brothers Grimm. Go to Full Review John Serba Decider 3d
None of this is particularly subtle in its feminist messaging, but at least it builds quite steadily to a climax that’ll have you cackling, if only to ward off the barfsies. Go to Full Review C.H. Newell Father Son Holy Gore Nov 12
4.5/5
Blichfeldt tells a folktale in a brutally real fashion to illustrate the physical toll that beauty standards have on female bodies. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Ben W May 14 Definitely a great watch. I had fun. Lightly touches on the body horror genre, but keeps itself tame enough to be digestible for a wider audience. See more Adrianna Apr 26 wasn't prepared to see a movie that isn't in English. it was really well written, and the acting is amazing. it was nice to see a different pov of the class fairytale that we know as cinderella. See more Elaine W Apr 24 One of the BEST movies of 2025 so far!!!! So creative, unique, fantastical! Loved it!!! Great “Cinderella” adaptation! See more Yue Apr 23 amazing. fans of the substance must see See more Shelbelw Apr 22 Just got back from seeing The Ugly Stepsister and wanted to leave my two cents. No Spoilers. To be honest, this portrays such a female experience from start to finish that I'm not sure how many men are actually going to appreciate this movie. It is exquisitely tragic, beautifully filmed, and the lead actress deserves an Oscar. Her character arc from wide-eyed hopeful innocent to what she turns into is so amazing. The micro expressions on her face show every thought and feeling as if we were in her head. The body horror is good. There was not much the camera pulled away from. And at one point I actually gagged. I'm looking forward to rewatching this to appreciate the journey. Two severed big toes up from this girl. See more BaileysHorrors on YT Apr 21 Sick and twisted, with beautiful visuals. See more Read all reviews
The Ugly Stepsister

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Cast & Crew

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Emilie Blichfeldt

Director

Lea Myren

Elvira

Thea Sofie Loch Næss

Askepott

Ane Dahl Torp

Stepmother

Flo Fagerli

Alma

Isac Calmroth

Prince Julian

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The Ugly Stepsister

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The Ugly Stepsister

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Movie Info

Synopsis In a twisted take on the classic Cinderella story, 'The Ugly Stepsister' follows Elvira as she battles to compete with her insanely beautiful stepsister. In a fairy-tale kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira will go to any lengths to catch the Prince's eye. 'The Ugly Stepsister' is the gory tale of the blood and sweat, grit and gold that goes into making Elvira the belle of the ball.
Director
Emilie Blichfeldt
Producer
Maria Ekerhovd
Screenwriter
Emilie Blichfeldt, Emilie Blichfeldt
Distributor
IFC Films
Production Co
Mer Film
Genre
Horror, Comedy, Mystery & Thriller
Original Language
Norwegian
Release Date (Theaters)
Apr 18, 2025, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 9, 2025
Box Office (Gross USA)
$306.8K
Runtime
1h 45m
Sound Mix
Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.66:1)
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