"Ugly Stepsister: Cinderella Horror Now Streaming"

It's an intriguing trend to transform beloved children's stories into horror films, and "The Ugly Stepsister" stands out as a particularly thought-provoking take on the genre. This Norwegian body horror film, inspired by the Brothers Grimm's version of Cinderella, delves into the darker aspects of beauty standards and cosmetic surgery, offering more than just shock value. While it might seem a natural fit for horror compared to other Disney-inspired tales like Winnie the Pooh, "The Ugly Stepsister" has managed to capture both critical acclaim and visceral reactions from its audience.

The film's premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival was marked by a notable incident, as reported by Variety, where a viewer reportedly vomited due to the graphic nature of the movie. Despite—or perhaps because of—its intense content, "The Ugly Stepsister" has earned a remarkable 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's Katie Rife praised the film, stating, "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 own limits, "The Ugly Stepsister" is now available for streaming at home.

How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online

The Ugly Stepsister

You can watch "The Ugly Stepsister" on Shudder, a horror-focused streaming service that starts at $7.50/month and offers a 7-day free trial. Shudder's library is also accessible through AMC+ memberships. If you're not looking to subscribe, the film is available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Prime Video.

The movie's transition to streaming comes less than a month after its U.S. theatrical release, but nearly five months following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival. It also premiered in Norway a month before hitting North American screens, indicating a successful run for an independent horror film.

What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?

"The Ugly Stepsister" (known as Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) draws its inspiration from the Brothers Grimm's Cinderella, rather than the Disney adaptation. 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 blend of body horror and critique on beauty standards echoes themes found in last year's "The Substance." Here is 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 film boasts a talented cast, including:

• 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