سرور پخشکننده
خواهر همزاد زشت
20257109 دقیقه
فانتزیدرامترسناککمدی
انتشار
۱۷ اسفند ۱۴۰۳
کشورها
Denmark, Norway, Poland, Sweden
تولیدات
Mer FilmLava FilmsMOTORScanbox ProductionZentropa International SwedenMediefondet Zefyr+1
در یک قلمرو افسانهای که زیبایی یک تجارت وحشیانه است، الویرا برای رقابت با خواهر همزادش که بسیار زیباست، میجنگد و حاضر است هر آنچه لازم باشد برای جلب نگاه شاه جوان انجام دهد.
About
Quick guide
A twisted retelling of Cinderella where beauty becomes a brutal commodity.
The Ugly Stepsister follows Elvira, a young woman who must compete with her striking stepsister Agnes for the attention of Prince Julian in a kingdom where beauty dictates status and wealth. Set in a fairy‑tale world turned grim, the film blends satire, black comedy and body horror as Elvira undergoes extreme measures to meet society’s standards. The story examines the pressures of beauty, the cruelty of the male gaze, and the lengths people will go to secure love and status, all while keeping its gothic atmosphere. The film’s stark visuals and unsettling humor make it a distinctive take on the classic narrative.
What to know
- Director: Emilie Blichfeldt – first feature.
- Runtime: 109 minutes.
- Genre blend: horror, comedy, fantasy, drama.
- Contains graphic body horror and gore.
- Available on Shudder (North America).
- Set in a fairy‑tale kingdom with dark satire.
- Features Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Polish dialogue.
- Premiered at Sundance 2025 Midnight section.
Watch if
If you enjoy subversive fairy‑tale retellings that mix sharp humor with unsettling body horror, The Ugly Stepsister will keep you engaged with its biting satire and relentless pace.
Skip if
If you prefer lighthearted or family‑friendly fairy‑tale films, or are sensitive to graphic violence and mature themes, this film may not suit your tastes.
horror elementsdark tonefast pacedpsychological elementsmature themespolitical themessome goresad tone
World of Brutal Beauty
The film opens in a kingdom where beauty is literally a currency and the elite prize it above all else. From the opulent court to the grim finishing school, every setting underscores the relentless pressure placed upon young women to conform to ideal standards. The contrast between glittering facades and harsh realities sets a tense, oppressive tone.
Elvira’s Transformation Journey
Elvira’s story is marked by a series of brutal surgeries and extreme diet regimens designed to fit the societal mould. The film captures her psychological decline as she battles self‑worth against external validation, weaving body horror with personal tragedy. Her transformation is both literal and symbolic of the sacrifices demanded by beauty standards.
Dark Humor & Satire
While the film’s premise is grim, its comedic timing sharpens its critique. Scenes of exaggerated vanity, sarcastic dialogue, and absurd rituals serve to satirise the absurdity of a world that equates worth with looks. The humor never undercuts the horror; instead, it amplifies the film’s unsettling tone.
Graphic Body Horror Scenes
The movie features intense gore, including dismemberment and parasite imagery that challenge viewers’ thresholds. These moments are stylised to serve narrative and thematic purposes, illustrating the grotesque cost of beauty. The horror elements are integral, not gratuitous.
Family & Power Dynamics
Family relationships are depicted as power struggles where wealth and status trump affection. Rebekka’s manipulative tactics, Agnes’s entitlement, and the father‑figure’s death illustrate how societal expectations corrupt intimate bonds. The film uses these dynamics to explore the cost of ambition.
Critical Reception Overview
Critics praised the film’s bold vision and unsettling visuals, awarding it a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers highlighted its effective blend of body horror and social commentary, while noting its relentless pace and shocking imagery.
Cultural Context & Themes
The film draws from the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, expanding its darker elements. It critiques contemporary beauty culture and patriarchal structures, while embedding political commentary on socioeconomic disparity. The narrative remains rooted in a fairy‑tale aesthetic while addressing modern anxieties.
Similar vibes
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شکل آب
Fairy‑tale in a darker, surreal environment.
فیلم
★7/10
FAQ
43 Q&A
How does Elvira's appearance change throughout the movie?
Elvira's appearance starts out normal, but she becomes more monstrous as she tries to win the prince.
What is the relationship between Elvira and Agnes?
Elvira and Agnes are stepsisters who don't get along.
What is the central theme of The Ugly Stepsister?
The movie explores themes of beauty, self-acceptance, and the dangers of trying too hard to fit in.
What is the ending for Elvira?
Elvira is last seen as a monster, having embraced her monstrous nature.
How does the film reinterpret the Cinderella story?
The movie flips the Cinderella story by focusing on the stepsister and showing how societal pressure can make someone 'ugly' from the inside out.
What is the significance of Elvira cutting off her foot?
Elvira cuts off her foot to fit into the glass slipper, showing her desperate desire to be with the prince, no matter the cost.
Who is Agnes and what is her role in the film?
Agnes is Elvira's stepsister and is shown as kind and good-hearted, contrasting with Elvira's actions.
What happens at the royal ball?
At the royal ball, Elvira tries to win the prince's attention, but her true nature starts to show.
How does the post-credit scene recontextualize Agnes's ending?
The post-credit scene implies that Agnes might not have had a completely happy ending, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving.
What does the slipper symbolize in this movie?
The glass slipper symbolizes the unattainable ideal of beauty and the societal pressure to conform.
What is the ending for Agnes?
Agnes is last seen with the prince, seemingly getting her happy ending, but a post-credit scene hints at more to her story.
Does Agnes get a happy ending?
Agnes appears to get a happy ending with the prince, but a post-credit scene casts some doubt on this.
How does Alma differ from Elvira and Agnes?
Alma is a servant who is kind and doesn't seem to be affected by the same pressures as Elvira and Agnes.
Who does Prince Julian choose to marry?
Prince Julian ultimately chooses to marry Agnes.
What is the meaning behind the body horror elements?
The body horror elements represent Elvira's internal struggles and how her obsession with beauty warps her physically and mentally.
What is the post-credit scene about?
The post-credit scene shows Agnes, suggesting her story might not be as simple as it first appeared.
How does the film critique societal beauty standards?
The film shows how the pursuit of conventional beauty can lead to self-destruction and inner ugliness.
What does Elvira do to try and win the prince's favor?
Elvira goes to extreme, monstrous lengths, including physical transformations, to try and win the prince.
How does Rebekka influence Elvira's actions?
Rebekka, Elvira's mother, pushes Elvira to be beautiful and desirable, influencing her obsessive behavior.
Are the transformations Elvira undergoes literal or metaphorical?
Elvira's transformations are shown as both literal physical changes and metaphorical representations of her inner state.
What is Alma's role in the story?
Alma is a kind servant who acts as a foil to the other characters and witnesses the events unfold.
Is Agnes a typical Cinderella character?
Agnes is not a typical Cinderella character; she is a stepsister who is portrayed as good and kind.
Who is Elvira and what are her main motivations?
Elvira is a stepsister who is driven by a desperate desire to be beautiful and loved by the prince.
What is the role of Elvira's mother, Rebekka?
Rebekka is Elvira's mother who instills in her daughter a relentless focus on beauty and outward appearance.
What is the significance of the tapeworm in Elvira's story?
The tapeworm symbolizes Elvira's parasitic obsession with beauty and her internal decay.
Who are the main actors in The Ugly Stepsister?
The main actors in The Ugly Stepsister are Lea Myren and Malin Welander.
What is the film's message to its audience regarding beauty standards?
The film's message is that true beauty comes from within, not from conforming to outside standards.
Was a stunt double used for Lea Myren?
Information about whether a stunt double was used for Lea Myren is not readily available.
How does Lea Myren interpret the film's message about beauty?
Lea Myren interprets the film's message as a critique of societal pressures that define beauty in narrow ways.
What is the inspiration behind the film's visual style?
The visual style of the film is inspired by gothic fairy tales and a slightly surreal aesthetic.
What are the challenges Lea Myren faced portraying Elvira?
Lea Myren faced challenges in portraying Elvira's deep-seated insecurity and self-hatred authentically.
How are the themes of self-loathing and insecurity explored?
Self-loathing and insecurity are explored through Elvira's internal struggles and her interactions with others who judge her appearance.
What are the similarities between Lea Myren and Elvira?
Lea Myren has spoken about finding some common ground with Elvira in terms of understanding societal pressures related to appearance.
Who directed The Ugly Stepsister?
The Ugly Stepsister was directed by Emilie Berger.
What is the role of the soundtrack in the movie?
The soundtrack enhances the film's unsettling atmosphere and emotional undertones.
What was Lea Myren's preparation for playing Elvira?
Lea Myren prepared by delving into the character's psychology and the script's exploration of societal beauty norms.
Who wrote The Ugly Stepsister?
The Ugly Stepsister was written by Emilie Berger.
What does the film say about female value and appearance?
The film suggests that a woman's value should not be tied to her physical appearance or societal beauty ideals.
How were the practical effects achieved in the film?
Practical effects in the film were achieved through a combination of makeup, prosthetics, and in-camera techniques.
How does the film compare to 'The Substance'?
The film shares themes with 'The Substance' concerning body image and societal pressures on women, though they explore these in different ways.
Are there any supernatural elements in the film?
The film leans more into psychological and atmospheric horror rather than overt supernatural elements.
What is Alma's fate?
Alma's fate is tied to the film's exploration of the consequences of societal judgment and self-perception.
What is the director's intention with this film?
The director's intention was to create a thought-provoking film that challenges conventional notions of beauty and female identity.
