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"Ugly Stepsister: A Cinderella Horror Now Streaming"

by Gabriel May 26,2025

It's an intriguing trend to see horror movies crafted from stories that were once given the Disney treatment. While many such films lean heavily into shock horror and nostalgia, The Ugly Stepsister stands out with its profound commentary on its source material. This Norwegian body horror film draws inspiration from the Cinderella tale, a choice that feels more aligned with the genre than, say, the transformation of Winnie the Pooh into a horror icon.

Despite its meaningful undertones, the movie doesn't shy away from being viscerally unsettling. At its Sundance premiere, Variety reported an incident where a viewer was so disturbed that they vomited. The film currently boasts an impressive 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's critic Katie Rife praised its intensity, noting, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes."

For those eager to test their tolerance, The Ugly Stepsister is now available to watch at home.

**How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online**

### The Ugly Stepsister

You can stream The Ugly Stepsister on Shudder, a premier horror-focused streaming service, which starts at $7.50/month and offers a 7-day free trial. Shudder's extensive library is also included in AMC+ memberships. If you're not in the market for another subscription, you can rent or purchase the film from digital marketplaces like Prime Video.

The film's transition to streaming platforms comes shortly after its U.S. theatrical release, yet nearly five months post its debut at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. The Ugly Stepsister also premiered in Norway a month before hitting North American screens, marking a respectable theatrical run for an independent horror movie.

**What's The Ugly Stepsister About?**

The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) reimagines the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella. According to IGN's review, "The Ugly Stepsister depicts 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 has drawn comparisons to last year's The Substance. Here’s the official synopsis:

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.