"Ugly Stepsister: Cinderella Horror Now Streaming"

Author: Aaron May 21,2025

It's a fascinating trend to see horror movies emerge from stories that once received the Disney treatment. While many such films lean heavily into shock value and nostalgia, "The Ugly Stepsister" offers a thought-provoking twist on its source material. This Norwegian body horror film draws inspiration from the classic tale of Cinderella, a story that naturally lends itself to the horror genre more than others, like the unexpected horror take on Winnie the Pooh.

"The Ugly Stepsister" is undeniably gruesome, as evidenced by a reported incident of vomiting at its Sundance premiere. Despite its graphic nature, the film has been critically acclaimed, boasting a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's Katie Rife praised the movie, stating, "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 about whether your stomach can handle this intense cinematic experience, you'll be pleased to know that "The Ugly Stepsister" is now available for viewing at home.

How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online

### The Ugly Stepsister

You can stream "The Ugly Stepsister" on Shudder, a horror-centric streaming service that starts at $7.50 per 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 film's transition to streaming occurred less than a month after its U.S. theatrical release, yet nearly five months following its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It premiered in Norway a month before reaching North American audiences, indicating a solid theatrical run for an independent horror film.

What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?

"The Ugly Stepsister" (known as Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) takes its cues from the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, rather than the Disney adaptation. As noted in IGN's review, the film portrays "crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." This unique blend of body horror and critique on beauty standards has drawn comparisons 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