"Ugly Stepsister: Cinderella-Inspired Horror Now Streaming"

It's a fascinating trend to see beloved children's tales transformed into horror movies, and The Ugly Stepsister is a prime example of how this genre shift can lead to impactful storytelling. Unlike many films that simply capitalize on nostalgia for shock value, this Norwegian body horror movie offers a thought-provoking take on the Cinderella story. While it might seem odd to connect Cinderella with horror, the film delves deep into the darker aspects of the tale, making it a fitting choice for the genre.

Despite its meaningful commentary, The Ugly Stepsister doesn't shy away from being viscerally disturbing. Reports from its Sundance premiere mention a vomit incident, underscoring the film's intense nature. It currently boasts an impressive 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critic Katie Rife of IGN noting, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes."

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-centric streaming platform that offers plans starting at $7.50 per month, with a 7-day free trial available. Shudder is also included in AMC+ subscriptions. For those not interested in subscribing, the film is available to rent or purchase on digital platforms like Prime Video.

The transition to streaming came less than a month after its U.S. theatrical release, but nearly five months following its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The Ugly Stepsister premiered in Norway a month before hitting North American screens, marking a successful run for an independent horror film.

What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?

The Ugly Stepsister (or Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) draws inspiration from the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, rather than Disney's adaptation. As highlighted by IGN's review, the film features "crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." The movie's exploration of body horror and societal beauty standards has been likened to last year's The Substance. Here's the 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 cast includes:

• 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