It's an ongoing trend to transform classic stories that were once given the Disney treatment into horror films. While many such films capitalize on shock value and nostalgia, The Ugly Stepsister stands out as a thoughtful critique of its source material. This Norwegian body horror film draws from the Cinderella story, making it a fitting choice for the genre compared to other adaptations like Winnie the Pooh.

Despite its deeper commentary, The Ugly Stepsister does not shy away from being disturbingly graphic. Reports from its Sundance premiere noted a viewer vomiting, and the film holds a strong 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's critic Katie Rife remarked, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes."

If you're curious to test your own limits, you can now watch The Ugly Stepsister from the comfort of your home.

How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online

The Ugly Stepsister

You can stream The Ugly Stepsister on Shudder, a horror-focused streaming service that starts at $7.50/month and offers a 7-day free trial. Shudder is also included in AMC+ memberships. For those not interested in another subscription, the film is available to rent or purchase on digital platforms such as Prime Video.

The move to streaming comes shortly after its U.S. theatrical release, and nearly five months following its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The Ugly Stepsister premiered in Norway a month before it reached North American audiences, showcasing a successful run for an independent horror film.

What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?

The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) is inspired by the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, rather than the Disney adaptation. IGN's review highlights, "The Ugly Stepsister depicts crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." This mix of body horror and societal beauty standards has drawn comparisons to last year's The Substance. Here’s the film's official synopsis:

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 the following 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