The Ugly Stepsister

7/3/2025

Now I don’t suppose you’d have kicked “Prince Julian” (Isac Calmroth) out of bed for eating herring, but right from the start this apple of everyone’s eye looks distinctly dull! I’m not sure that the besotted “Elvira” (Lea Myren) realised that when she embarked on quite a tortuous make-over to turn her chubby and buck-toothed body into something that might turn the head of this royal highness, but needs must when the debt collectors are circling. This is probably the most grotesque take on the “Cinderella” story you are ever like to see, as it pretty graphically shows the life of this young girl, her stepsister, her mother and her downright cruel Svengali who thinks nothing of stitching her eyelids on or rearranging her teeth - without, of course, any anaesthetic. Where this also drifts aw

6/1/2026

Fairytale body-horror This is a GRIM take on Cinderella, and very very ... ew. Not for the feint of heart, but if you came for the bodyhorror then you shall not be disappointed. The setting for this is lovely, the acting appropriate, the direction works, and the score is messing with you constantly. All and all this is a great adaptation, and shows a very dark side to this tale. Well worth a watch!

6/26/2026

*The Ugly Stepsister* offers a compelling reinterpretation of the Cinderella story by exploring themes of love, obsession, and unrealistic beauty standards through strong character motivations, unsettling visuals, and powerful performances. Although a few supporting characters lack deeper development and some plot points feel inconsistent, the film delivers an emotionally resonant journey with thought-provoking social commentary. Overall, it is a distinctive and rewarding dark fairy tale that is easy to recommend for viewers looking for a fresh and mature take on a familiar classic. BY ALUNAUWIE

8/22/2026

**Macabre anatomy of a fairy tale** "The Ugly Stepsister" stands out in its field because it successfully deconstructs a universal myth through striking imagery that directly engages with the aesthetic obsessions of our time. It is a unsettling film, a dark comedy, and a sharp satire inspired by the grim nature of the Brothers Grimm's "Aschenputtel." The movie leverages folklore to deliver a fierce critique of the modern fixation on looks, patriarchy, and imposed beauty standards. It has been a resounding success on the international festival circuit, even taking home the Best Motion Picture award at the prestigious Sitges Film Festival. In a kingdom where beauty is the ultimate currency and social status is everything, Elvira travels with her sister Alma and her mother Rebecca towar