The Refreshing Twist on a Timeless Tale: Exploring “The Ugly Stepsister”

The classic fairy tale of Cinderella takes on a dark and innovative transformation in 2025’s film, The Ugly Stepsister, directed by Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt. This modern retelling explores themes of body image and societal beauty standards through striking visuals and unsettling body horror. In this article, we dive into the film’s creative process, direction, and its thought-provoking messages that resonate in today’s culture.

The Film’s Unique Aesthetic

The Ugly Stepsister has garnered attention not only for its storytelling but also for its craftsmanship, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Makeup & Hairstyling at the 98th Academy Awards. Focusing on body horror, the film creatively connects the audience to the deeper struggles of its characters, illustrating how societal pressures lead to painful decisions.

Director Emilie Blichfeldt explained, “I love to make the audience wince. Cinderella is often seen as a light tale, but the darker undertones are frequently overlooked. The stepsister’s struggle to fit into a mold reflects the pressures many women face about their body image.” This sentiment drives the emotional core of the film, allowing viewers to see a relatable transformation.

Confronting Beauty Standards Through Body Horror

Blichfeldt’s approach embraces a mix of body horror and thematic depth that resonates with current discussions about beauty. She emphasizes that the gore in body horror carries a message, allowing the audience to connect emotionally with the characters. “The bodily harm reflects a metaphorical conversation about how women relate to their self-image,” she remarked.

Visual Storytelling

Hair and Makeup Designer Anne Catherine Sauerberg shared insights into creating the film’s unique visual style, which merges traditional period elements with a modern horror twist. “It was crucial to achieve a look that felt timeless yet also echoed the recognizable beauty standards,” she noted. The film’s visual approach enhances its narrative, transforming familiar fairy tale motifs into a more haunting representation of self-worth and acceptance.

The Central Role of Femininity

The film’s exploration of femininity and societal pressures invites viewers to rethink their perceptions of beauty. Blichfeldt acknowledges that this theme runs throughout her work. “Women’s relationships with their bodies are incredibly complex, and I strive to depict that on screen,” she expressed. In a world obsessed with beauty, The Ugly Stepsister advocates for self-acceptance and the understanding that every woman has her unique story.

Conclusion: A Reflection on Society’s Standards

The Ugly Stepsister serves as a bold commentary on the enduring societal pressures surrounding beauty and self-worth. Through its unique blend of horror and heartfelt storytelling, it encourages audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and embrace their authenticity. As more people engage with these themes in today’s culture, films like The Ugly Stepsister remind us of the stories that can emerge when we dare to explore the darker corners of familiar tales.

The film is currently streaming on Shudder, bringing its provocative vision to a wider audience and inviting a much-needed conversation about beauty in our modern world.