"Ugly Stepsister: A Cinderella Horror Film Now Streaming"

It's become increasingly popular to transform classic fairy tales into horror films, and while many of these adaptations rely heavily on shock value and nostalgia, The Ugly Stepsister offers a thought-provoking twist on its source material. This Norwegian body horror film, inspired by the Brothers Grimm's version of Cinderella, delves deeper into themes of beauty and suffering, distinguishing itself from other adaptations like the recent Winnie the Pooh horror movie.

Despite its meaningful commentary, The Ugly Stepsister does not shy away from the grotesque. As reported by Variety, the film caused a notable reaction at its Sundance premiere, with at least one viewer reportedly vomiting. The movie has garnered critical acclaim, boasting an impressive 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN critic Katie Rife praised it, saying, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes."

For those curious to test their tolerance, The Ugly Stepsister is now available for home viewing.

How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online

### The Ugly Stepsister

You can stream The Ugly Stepsister on Shudder, a premier destination for horror enthusiasts. Shudder offers plans starting at $7.50 per month and includes a 7-day free trial, making it an accessible option for new viewers. Additionally, Shudder's content is available through AMC+ subscriptions. If you're not interested in subscribing, the film is also available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Prime Video.

The film's transition to streaming services comes shortly after its limited theatrical release in the U.S., and nearly five months after its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It also premiered in Norway a month prior to its North American release, indicating a robust run for an independent horror film.

What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?

The Ugly Stepsister (or Den stygge stesøsteren in its original Norwegian) reimagines the Cinderella tale through a dark lens. According to IGN, the film "depicts crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." This fusion of body horror with societal beauty standards has drawn comparisons to the recent film The Substance. The official synopsis reads:

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 film debut of writer-director Emilie Blichfeldt. The film features a talented ensemble cast:

• 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