Alright, fairy tale fanatics with a taste for the darkly delicious, get ready to have your glass slippers shattered! Your beloved Cinderella is about to get an unsettling twist in The Ugly Stepsister. It’s a fresh and cinematic nightmare coming to you from IFC and the streaming haven for all things horror, Shudder.
This isn’t your average pumpkin carriage and happily-ever-after scenario. It’s a biting satire wrapped in a visually stunning and deeply unsettling package, brought to life by writer and director Emilie Blichfeldt in her feature film debut.
Costumes By a Legend
The exquisite costume design was brought to life by the legendary Manon Rasmussen. Rasmussen’s name is synonymous with cinematic elegance and authenticity. She’s the visionary behind the Oscar-winning Another Round and the historical drama A Royal Affair. Her involvement in The Ugly Stepsister instantly elevates the film’s aesthetic, promising a visually stunning world.
Director Emilie Blichfeldt’s dedication to creating a rich and historically informed world led her to consult with the renowned fashion icon Lady Amanda Harlech. Ensuring a keen and discerning eye for style and historical accuracy.
Blichfeldt remarked on this incredibly collaborative process, stating, “Manon has an unmatched talent for crafting costumes that feel like an extension of the character, incorporating worn, stitched textures to make the actors feel at home in their roles. Together, we play on Disney’s iconic silhouettes for Cinderella and the stepsisters, tying these designs to the mid/late 1800s when cosmetic surgery began emerging in medical practice.” This intriguing detail hints at a darker, more mature, and perhaps even grotesque exploration of beauty standards and societal pressures within the familiar fairy tale framework, suggesting that “The Ugly Stepsister” will delve into themes far beyond simple sibling rivalry.
A Twisted Tale
The Ugly Stepsister plunges headfirst into a sinister, darkly comedic twist on the beloved Cinderella narrative. The story centers on Elvira, played with fierce determination by Lea Myren. Elvira has a singular and unwavering goal: to earn the prince’s affection. She’s willing to go to any lengths to achieve it. In this kingdom, beauty isn’t just admired; it’s a brutal and cutthroat business. Elvira finds herself locked in a desperate rivalry with the seemingly perfect and enchantingly beautiful Agnes, portrayed by Thea Sofie Loch Næss. As both women vie to become the belle of the ball and ultimately capture the coveted eye of the prince, the gloves (and perhaps even more) come off in this vicious battle for royal favor.
More Than Just a Horror Film
The Ugly Stepsister promises to be more than just a simple horror film with a fairy tale veneer. It’s a timely and relevant examination of the intense pressures surrounding body image and the often unrealistic and damaging standards of beauty relentlessly imposed by society.
Prepare for a fairy tale in which magic is laced with malice, and the pursuit of beauty takes a gruesome turn. Watch The Ugly Stepsister on May 9 on Shudder.
