The Ugly Stepsister (2025) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
“The Ugly Stepsister” (original title: Den stygge stesøsteren) is a dark reimagining of the Cinderella tale, offering a grotesque and unsettling take on the classic fairy tale. Directed and written by Emilie Blichfeldt, the film delves into themes of beauty, societal pressure, and psychological horror. Unlike traditional Cinderella adaptations, this movie focuses on Elvira, the overlooked stepsister, who embarks on a nightmarish journey to win the prince’s attention. But does this bold new vision succeed in delivering a compelling story, or does it lose itself in shock value? Let’s break it down.
Plot Overview: A Grim Fairy Tale
Set in a fairy-tale kingdom where beauty dictates status, The Ugly Stepsister follows Elvira, a young woman overshadowed by her stunningly beautiful stepsister, Alma. Raised by a merciless mother who prioritizes appearance over well-being, Elvira is constantly pressured to alter herself to meet society’s harsh beauty standards.
When Prince Julian, a vain and shallow aristocrat, announces a grand ball to find his future bride, Elvira sees this as her last chance at happiness. Desperate to transform herself into the ideal woman, she undergoes extreme and horrifying measures, including self-mutilation and gruesome cosmetic procedures. The film doesn’t shy away from body horror, portraying Elvira’s descent into madness with unflinching brutality.
The narrative intertwines psychological torment with disturbing imagery, making it more of a cautionary tale than a simple fairy tale retelling.
A Unique Perspective: Flipping the Cinderella Narrative
What makes The Ugly Stepsister stand out is its subversion of the traditional Cinderella archetype. Rather than focusing on the “good girl” overcoming adversity, it highlights the dark consequences of a society obsessed with beauty.
Angela Carter, known for her feminist and horror-infused fairy tale retellings, would likely have appreciated this adaptation. Unlike Perrault’s polished Cinderella, which presents the protagonist as pure and virtuous, Blichfeldt’s version aligns more with the grim and unsettling storytelling of the Brothers Grimm. The movie explores the economic and societal forces that force women into competition, turning beauty into a brutal business transaction.
This perspective makes The Ugly Stepsister an insightful yet deeply disturbing watch.
A Cinematic Experience: Visuals, Themes, and Performances
1. Direction & Cinematography
Blichfeldt’s direction blends unsettling horror aesthetics with a fairy-tale setting, creating an eerie and surreal atmosphere. The cinematography carries strong influences from filmmakers like Robert Eggers (The Witch, The Lighthouse), employing dimly lit, claustrophobic frames that heighten the film’s tension.
The movie also draws inspiration from Quentin Tarantino’s alternative storytelling, offering a twisted revision of the Cinderella mythos.
2. Performances
The cast delivers exceptional performances, particularly the actress playing Elvira, who perfectly captures the fragile balance between innocence and desperation. Her transformation is both tragic and terrifying, making the audience sympathize with her while being horrified by her choices.
3. Body Horror & Psychological Terror
This is not a lighthearted fairy tale. The film’s body horror elements are reminiscent of The Substance and David Cronenberg’s works, but with a more raw and grotesque execution. Scenes involving self-inflicted pain, distorted beauty standards, and psychological breakdowns make The Ugly Stepsister an intense viewing experience.
For those familiar with the horror elements in classic fairy tales, the film successfully taps into the unsettling nature of folklore, presenting it through a modern lens.
Critic & Audience Reactions: A Divisive Film
Not everyone will appreciate The Ugly Stepsister. The film has sparked polarizing reactions, with some praising its boldness and others condemning it as gratuitous.
🔹 Positive Reviews:
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Many horror fans appreciate the film’s raw approach to beauty and self-destruction, calling it a much-needed departure from traditional Cinderella adaptations.
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The visual style, score, and commitment to its unsettling tone have drawn comparisons to Possession and The Substance.
🔹 Negative Reviews:
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Some viewers find it overly grotesque, criticizing it for being shocking without a strong enough narrative purpose.
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Certain scenes have been labeled excessive, with some calling it 100 minutes of pure sadism.
Regardless of personal taste, The Ugly Stepsister is undeniably a film that sparks discussion.
Where to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online
As of March 2025, The Ugly Stepsister is not yet available on major streaming platforms. However, based on distribution trends, it is expected to be available on the following services in the near future:
🔹 Subscription Streaming Services (Predicted)
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Shudder (Given its horror-centric catalog, this would be a perfect fit)
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Hulu (Has a history of adding psychological horror films)
🔹 Rental & Purchase (Predicted)
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Amazon Prime Video
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Apple TV
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Google Play Movies
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Vudu
For real-time streaming availability, check JustWatch.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Watching?
If you enjoy unsettling, psychological horror films with deep thematic undertones, The Ugly Stepsister is worth watching. It offers a fresh, yet disturbing take on a well-known fairy tale, providing a critique of beauty standards in a nightmarish world.
However, if extreme body horror and psychological descent aren’t your thing, you may find it too disturbing or even unbearable.
Pros:
✅ Unique reinterpretation of the Cinderella story
✅ Strong performances and eerie cinematography
✅ Thought-provoking social commentary on beauty and self-worth
Cons:
❌ Graphic body horror may not be for everyone
❌ Some might find it excessively grotesque and nihilistic
If you’re intrigued by psychological horror and dark fairy tale adaptations, The Ugly Stepsister is a must-watch. Keep an eye on JustWatch for streaming availability.
Would you dare to step into Elvira’s twisted world? Let us know in the comments if you’ll be watching this bold reimagining!
