Bridgerton meets The Substance in the upcoming Nordic body-horror movie, The Ugly Stepsister, which is coming soon to U.S. and UK cinemas.
Vertigo Releasing, in association with Shudder and IFC Films, has confirmed the UK and US release date of the stomach-churning Norwegian body horror The Ugly Stepsister. The film will be hitting US cinemas on 18th April and UK cinemas on 25th April. Written and directed by Emilie Blichfeldt (feature-length directorial debut). The Ugly Stepsister introduces Lea Myren and also stars Thea Sofie Loch Næss (The Last Kingdom) and Ane Dahl Torp (The Wave).
Classic fairy tales are known to be far more sinister than their more well-known animated interpretations. Emilie Blichfeldt’s The Ugly Stepsister certainly promises to swing the pendulum back towards the grisly. A homage to Charles Perrault’s Cinderella. The Ugly Stepsister is a dark and gruesome adaptation of the classic story where you truly find out exactly how much pain beauty is.
THE PREMISE
Elvira (Lea Myren) has one all-consuming obsession. To win the affection of her kingdom’s handsome prince and live happily ever after. Yet, she lives in the shadow of her beautiful stepsister, Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss). She seems fated for the happy ending she’s always dreamed of. But, in a kingdom where beauty is prized above all things, Elvira will get what she wants, no matter what…
PRESS REACTION
Since its festival run, the press reaction to The Ugly Stepsister has been overwhelmingly positive. Autostraddle claims it to be “one of the best horror films of the decade so far”. Inverse describes it as “…The Substance for Disney adults” and Bloody Disgusting, calling it “elegant, stylish, and gnarly”. The film is currently sitting at 98% on Rotten Tomatoes*.
*Rotten Tomatoes Score correct as of 25th March 2025
CREDITS
USA Theatrical Date: 18th April
UK Theatrical Release Date: 25th April
Short Synopsis: A sinister twist on the classic Cinderella story, The Ugly Stepsister follows Elvira as she prepares to earn the prince’s affection at any cost. In a kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira will compete with the beautiful and enchanting Agnes to become the belle of the ball.
Directed By: Emilie Blichfeldt
Written By: Emilie Blichfeldt
Produced By: Maria Ekerhovd
Cast: Lea Myren, Thea Sophie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp
Run Time: 105 mins
Cert: TBC
The Ugly Stepsister will be in US cinemas from 18th April and UK Cinemas from 25th April
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
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