Carl Roberts 
Bridgerton meets The Substance in the Nordic body-horror movie, The Ugly Stepsister. Coming soon to UK Digital Download.
Vertigo Releasing, in association with Shudder and IFC Films, has confirmed the UK digital download release date of the stomach-churning Norwegian body horror The Ugly Stepsister. The film will become available on May 9th. 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*. I described the film in my Letterboxd review as:
An interesting and dark take on the story of Cinderella, told from the perspective of one of the stepsisters.
With a mix of Labyrinth and The Substance, some stomach churning scenes and some unexpected humour, this is a tale that will stick with you long after the credits have rolled.
A body horror fairy tale, not for the squeamish!
You can read my full review here.
*Rotten Tomatoes Score correct as of 25th March 2025
THE UK QUAD POSTER
CREDITS
UK Digital Release Date: 9th May
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: 18
The Ugly Stepsister will be available for digital download on May 9th.
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.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
