Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Blood! How 'The Ugly Stepsister' Make-Up Team Recreated 'Cinderella' as a Body Horror
A dark twist on a classic fairy tale has arrived with The Ugly Stepsister, a horror reimagining of Cinderella from the perspective of the often-vilified Elvira. Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt in her feature debut, the movie blends Disney charm with the gritty style of Italian Giallo cinema. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival before being picked up by Independent Film Company and Shudder for wider release.
The film follows Elvira, played by 24-year-old actress Lea Myren, as she endures extreme transformations to meet society’s beauty standards for the prince’s ball. Her journey includes gruesome procedures: a cosmetic nose realignment, an eyelash transplant shown in unsettling close-up, and even severing her own toes to fit into her stepsister’s slipper. In one of the most disturbing sequences, Elvira consumes a tapeworm egg to lose weight, a decision later reversed when her stepsister Alma helps remove it in the film’s final moments.
Blichfeldt’s vision relies heavily on practical effects, with minimal CGI used to maintain a raw, visceral aesthetic. The makeup and prosthetics teams worked extensively to make Myren appear younger, enhancing the character’s desperate struggle for acceptance. The film’s bold approach has earned it a shortlist nomination for Best Makeup & Hairstyling at the 98th Academy Awards.
With its shocking visuals and unflinching take on beauty obsession, The Ugly Stepsister has already made an impact on festival audiences. The film’s blend of fairy-tale horror and Italian Giallo influences sets it apart in the genre. Its recognition at the Oscars further cements its place as a standout in this year’s independent cinema.
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