We all know the story: Cinderella, wicked stepsisters, glass slippers, the whole shebang. But toss that sanitized Disney version in the bin, because Emilie Blichfeldt’s “The Ugly Stepsister” (streaming on Shudder) takes that familiar narrative and gives it a body horror makeover so gloriously grotesque, you’ll be reaching for the Pepto Bismol – and maybe hitting replay.
This isn’t your average tale of sibling rivalry. Set in the 19th century, this Norwegian flick throws us into the world of Elvira (a phenomenal Lea Myren), a young woman whose dreams of Prince Jullian (Isac Calmroth) are constantly overshadowed by her “ugliness” compared to her stepsister Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss). So far, so fairytale. But here’s where things get deliciously dark.
When an invitation to the prince’s ball arrives, Elvira’s mother becomes convinced that her daughter can snag the royal hubby – but only if she undergoes a series of increasingly disturbing “beautification” procedures. And folks, this is where the body horror kicks in like a runaway carriage.
We’re talking full-on, squirm-inducing sequences of Elvira getting her nose brutally reshaped (complete with a comically oversized chisel and a scream that’ll rattle your teeth), having eyelashes sewn into her eyelids, and, in a moment of truly inspired gross-out genius, swallowing a tapeworm to curb her appetite. Yeah, you read that right. Silk worms are for amateurs; this is next-level fairytale body modification.
Blichfeldt doesn’s shy away from the grotesque, and the camera lingers lovingly on these procedures, reveling in the absurdity and the sheer discomfort. But what elevates “The Ugly Stepsister” beyond mere shock value is its dark comedic edge. Just when the tension becomes almost unbearable, Blichfeldt throws in a moment of black humor – like the delicate tap of the hammer after the doctor’s dramatic “one, two, three” before breaking Elvira’s nose – that forces a nervous laugh. It’s a brilliant way to highlight the inherent ridiculousness and brutality of the pursuit of beauty.
Lea Myren as Elvira is the heart – albeit a slightly mangled one – of this bizarre tale. She portrays Elvira with a captivating mix of loneliness, hope, and a growing desperation that makes you root for her, even as you question her increasingly insane choices. Her performance is truly a standout, making you feel for this girl who’s willing to endure unimaginable pain for a shot at her fairytale ending.
While the film occasionally stumbles with its pacing and some of the shock moments feel a tad out of sync, these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. “The Ugly Stepsister” is a bold and original take on a classic story, unafraid to get down and dirty (literally) in its exploration of the obsession with beauty.
The Verdict: Shudder’s “The Ugly Stepsister” is a must-watch for horror fans looking for something truly unique and unsettling. It’s a body horror fairytale that’s equal parts grotesque and darkly funny, with a fantastic lead performance from Lea Myren. Just be warned: you might want to skip dinner beforehand.
Horrorfacts.com Rating: 4 out of 5 swallowed tapeworms.
