"Ugly Stepsister: Cinderella Horror Film Now Streaming"

If you're a fan of horror films that delve into the darker sides of familiar tales, you might already be familiar with the trend of reimagining classic Disney stories as terrifying experiences. However, The Ugly Stepsister stands out from the crowd by offering something more than just jump scares—it provides a thought-provoking commentary on its source material. Based on the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, this Norwegian body horror film transforms the timeless fairytale into a grotesque exploration of beauty standards and self-sacrifice.

While many horror adaptations rely heavily on nostalgia to evoke fear, The Ugly Stepsister takes a different approach. Instead of relying solely on shock value, it digs deeper, presenting a narrative that resonates with viewers who appreciate psychological depth alongside visceral horror. As reported by Variety, the film made quite an impression at its Sundance premiere, even sparking a memorable vomit incident. Currently holding a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, critics have praised its boldness. IGN’s Katie Rife noted, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister pushes the boundaries of graphic horror to new extremes."

If you're curious to see what all the fuss is about, you’re in luck! The Ugly Stepsister is now available for streaming at home.

How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online

The Ugly Stepsister

You can stream The Ugly Stepsister exclusively on Shudder, a subscription-based platform specializing in horror content starting at $7.50/month with a 7-day free trial. Alternatively, Shudder membership is bundled with AMC+ services. If you prefer not to commit to another subscription, the movie is also available to rent or purchase via digital marketplaces like Amazon Prime Video.

This release follows less than a month after its theatrical debut in the U.S., though it originally premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival nearly five months earlier. Interestingly, the film also debuted in Norway a full month ahead of its North American rollout. Despite being an indie horror gem, The Ugly Stepsister managed to carve out a respectable run in cinemas.

What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?

Inspired by the grim and gritty Grimm Brothers’ version of Cinderella, The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) explores the darker side of beauty through a series of brutally realistic cosmetic surgeries. Critics have likened the film’s unsettling premise to last year’s The Substance. Here’s the official synopsis:

Determined to outshine her stepsister, Elvira undergoes extreme measures to capture the prince’s attention in this twisted retelling of the classic fairy tale.

The Ugly Stepsister Cast and Characters

Directed and written by Emilie Blichfeldt, The Ugly Stepsister marks her directorial debut. The film features a talented ensemble 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

With its unique blend of body horror and social critique, The Ugly Stepsister is a must-watch for fans of both psychological storytelling and visceral terror.