"Ugly Stepsister: A Body Horror Film Now Streaming"

The trend of transforming beloved fairy tales into horror movies continues to gain momentum, and while many such films lean heavily into shock value, "The Ugly Stepsister" stands out with its thoughtful exploration of its source material. This Norwegian body horror film draws from the Cinderella story, offering a fitting twist on the classic tale that feels more natural than some other adaptations, like the unexpected horror version of Winnie the Pooh.

"The Ugly Stepsister" doesn’t shy away from its gruesome elements, with Variety reporting instances of audience members feeling nauseous during its Sundance premiere. The film boasts a remarkable 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with critic Katie Rife from IGN noting, "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes." If you're curious to test your own limits, you're in luck—"The Ugly Stepsister" is now available for viewing at home.

How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online

### The Ugly Stepsister

You can stream "The Ugly Stepsister" on Shudder, a premier horror streaming service. Subscriptions start at $7.50 per month, with a free 7-day trial available for new users. Shudder is also included in AMC+ memberships. If you prefer not to commit to another subscription, you can rent or purchase the film on digital platforms such as Prime Video.

The film's swift transition to streaming platforms follows its theatrical release in the U.S. less than a month ago and its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival almost five months prior. It also enjoyed a theatrical run in Norway a month before hitting North American screens, which is impressive for an independent horror film.

What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?

"The Ugly Stepsister" (Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) is inspired by the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella rather than the Disney adaptation. According to IGN, the film "depicts crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." Its exploration of body horror intertwined with societal beauty standards has drawn comparisons to the previous year's film, "The Substance." The 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.