“The Ugly Stepsister” Delivers Body Horror and Satirical Bite at Sundance

Emilie Blichfeldt’s “The Ugly Stepsister,” a provocative reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival as the opening night selection for the Midnight Program. The film, which shifts the narrative focus to one of the often-vilified stepsisters, garnered gasps and groans from the audience at the Library Center Theatre, according to reports from the festival.

A Twisted Retelling Rooted in the Grimms’ Fairy Tales

Senior programmer John Nein warned the audience that Blichfeldt’s film is a far cry from the Disney adaptation, leaning much closer to the darker, more unsettling themes found in the original Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella. He described the film as “a really twisted retelling” that is “gruesome enough to make the Disney vault spontaneously combust.”

Exploring Body Image and Manufactured Beauty

“The Ugly Stepsister” isn’t simply a horror film; it’s a satirical exploration of societal pressures surrounding beauty standards and body image. Blichfeldt, inspired by rediscovering the Grimm’s version of the story eight years ago, realized her own connection to the reviled stepsister character. She shared during the premiere that she initially wanted to be Cinderella, but ultimately recognized herself in the stepsister’s struggles with self-worth and finding her place within societal expectations of femininity.

The Story of Elvira and a Desperate Pursuit of Acceptance

The film centers on Elvira, portrayed by Lea Myren, and her mother Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp). Rebekka, having faced financial ruin after her husband’s sudden death, pushes Elvira to secure a marriage with the local prince to restore the family’s fortunes. Complicating matters is the arrival of the enchanting Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss), Elvira’s stepsister, and Elvira’s own perceived physical shortcomings. The narrative takes a dark turn as Elvira undergoes extreme measures, depicted with graphic detail, in an attempt to transform her appearance.

A Rising Trend in Feminist Body Horror

“The Ugly Stepsister” joins a growing wave of feminist body horror films, alongside works like Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, Julia Ducournau’s Titane, and Hanna Bergholm’s Hatching (which also premiered at Sundance in 2022). Blichfeldt expressed her excitement to be part of this movement, noting that for centuries, women have been objectified and judged based on their physical appearance. She believes this genre provides a powerful platform to explore these themes and challenge societal norms.

A Norwegian First for Sundance

Notably, “The Ugly Stepsister” marks the first time a Norwegian film has been selected to open the Midnight Program at the Sundance Film Festival. Kjersti Mo, director of the Norwegian Film Institute, hailed the selection as a testament to the high international standard of Norwegian cinema and a significant opportunity for the film to reach a global audience. Norwegian Film Institute

Critical Acclaim and a Dream Reach True for Blichfeldt

Blichfeldt expressed her gratitude to Sundance for selecting her film, calling it “an honor and a dream come true.” The film’s success at Sundance signals a strong start for this unique and unsettling take on a beloved fairy tale.