Malicious New Step-Parent
Emilie Blichfeldt's latest offering, "The Ugly Stepsister," is a reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale, set in a world where beauty reigns supreme. This darkly humorous body horror film, released in 2025 as Gabriele Summen's issue 6/2025, offers a biting satire on societal beauty standards and the exploitation of women.
The plot revolves around Elvira, one of the stepsisters, who is subjected to a series of painful cosmetic surgeries and regimens by her mother, Rebekka, in a desperate bid to make her conventionally beautiful for Prince Julian. Elvira's transformation, however, takes a dark turn as she succumbs to malnutrition and hair loss.
Rebekka, a widow who married the deceased and bankrupt Baron, spares no expense in transforming Elvira, investing the money saved from her husband's frugal funeral into beauty operations. In this misogynistic society, beauty is the only currency that counts for women.
Elvira's obsession with the prince leads her to extreme measures, including vomiting up a giant tapeworm, which she consumed due to dieting. Her resentment towards her stepsister, Agnes, who is degraded to a maid and called "Cinderella," also escalates.
The film explores various beauty corrections, including breast enhancement, wrinkle fillers, nose jobs, and intimate corrections, all of which are exaggerated to the point of grotesqueness. It serves as a critique of the unrealistic beauty ideals that young people are increasingly seeking, often inspired by media portrayals.
"The Ugly Stepsister" invites empathy for Elvira, who is both a victim of her mother's ambitions and complicit in her sister's oppression. Her younger sister, on the other hand, has pity on Agnes, understanding that she is a victim of circumstances.
Blichfeldt uses anachronistic references, such as "Three Nuts for Cinderella" (1973), in the film's historical setting, adding a layer of irony and relevance to the story. The film is likely to be disturbing for sensitive cinema-goers, but it offers a nuanced exploration of trauma and the consequences of societal pressures on female identity.
In essence, "The Ugly Stepsister" is a bitter satire, similar to Blichfeldt's previous film "The Substance." It serves as a mirror to our society, reflecting the dark reality of beauty standards and the exploitation of women, while offering a sympathetic portrayal of those who are caught in this vicious cycle.
Movies-and-tv that delve into the grim consequences of beauty standards and the exploitation of women include Emilie Blichfeldt's "The Ugly Stepsister," a 2025 release, and "The Substance," her previous film. This entertainment genre offers a satirical critique of societal beauty ideals and their harmful effects.
