"Ugly Stepsister: Cinderella Horror Now Streaming"

The trend of transforming beloved Disney stories into horror films has gained momentum, yet few manage to offer more than mere shock value. The Ugly Stepsister, a Norwegian body horror film, breaks the mold by offering a profound commentary on its source material, Cinderella. Unlike other adaptations that might seem forced, such as those involving Winnie the Pooh, The Ugly Stepsister naturally aligns with the horror genre, delivering a visceral experience that has left audiences both shocked and impressed.

The film's intensity is well-documented, with Variety reporting a viewer vomiting during its premiere at Sundance. Critics have lauded it, achieving a remarkable 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's Katie Rife praised it, stating, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes." Now, horror enthusiasts can test their resilience by watching The Ugly Stepsister from the comfort of their homes.

How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online

The Ugly Stepsister

• Stream on Shudder: Available for $7.50/month, with a 7-day free trial. Shudder is also included in AMC+ memberships.
• Rent or Buy on Prime Video: For those not looking to subscribe to another service, the film is accessible through digital marketplaces like Prime Video.

The movie's swift transition to streaming platforms, less than a month after its U.S. theatrical release and five months following its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, underscores its impact. It also enjoyed a month-long premiere in Norway before reaching North American audiences, highlighting a successful run for an independent horror film.

What's The Ugly Stepsister About?

The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) draws inspiration from the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, not the Disney adaptation. IGN's review highlights the film's portrayal of "crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." This mix of body horror and commentary on beauty standards invites comparisons to last year's The Substance. The film's official synopsis reads:

Determined to outshine her beautiful stepsister, Elvira resorts to extreme measures to win the prince's heart in this dark re-imagining of the Cinderella fairy tale.

The Ugly Stepsister Cast and Characters

The Ugly Stepsister marks the feature film debut of writer-director Emilie Blichfeldt. The cast includes:

• 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