Title: "Red Stain in the Pump": Foot's Sinister Stain
Get a Good Dose of Dark Humor with "The Ugly Stepsister"
Embrace the twisted retelling of Cinderella in director Emilie Blichfeldt's debut feature film, "The Ugly Stepsister." This dark comedy body horror movie offers a fresh take on the classic story, focusing on the perspective of Elvira, one of the supposedly ugly stepsisters. Elvira's life is a rollercoaster ride as she strives to meet the beauty standards set by her mother, Rebekka, in hopes of catching the eye of Prince Julian.
Prepare yourself for a wild ride, as Elvira undergoes drastic physical transformations, including invasive surgeries and extreme dieting, only to be overshadowed by her stepsister Agnes. The film takes a brutal approach to the gruesome beauty ideals rampant in society, resonating with viewers thanks to its raw portrayal of the psychological and physical toll these standards can take.
The story unfolds in a grotesque world where appearances are everything, and women are pushed to their limits in the pursuit of beauty. Elvira's journey serves as a metaphor for the destructive power of societal expectations, and the film's inclusion of body horror elements underscores the violence and self-destruction that can result.
Rebekka's manipulation of Elvira highlights the objectification of women and how they are often reduced to their physical appearance. Ultimately, the movie encourages viewers to embrace autonomy over their bodies and lives, rejecting oppressive beauty standards to find true freedom and empowerment.
With its stunning cinematography and clever references to classic fairy tales, "The Ugly Stepsister" is both a living oil painting and a timely horror parable. Sensitive viewers are strongly advised against this film, containing unflinching close-ups and blurring the line between horror and humor.
"The Ugly Stepsister": Norway 2025. Director and screenplay: Emilie Blichfeldt. With: Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, Isac Calmroth, Flo Fagerli. 109 min. Release: June 5
*Note: This film includes scathing criticisms of patriarchal society, extreme body modification, and self-mutilation. Viewer discretion is advised.
Brace yourself for a twisted tale that will leave you questioning the beauty ideals imposed upon us. With Elvira's journey from desperation to self-love, "The Ugly Stepsister" is a darkly humorous commentary on societal expectations and the need to break free from toxic influences.
Immerse yourself in the 'movies-and-tv' category, where dark humor and unexpected twists prevail. "The Ugly Stepsister," a Norwegian production of 2025, offers an entertaining blend of genres including horror, body horror, and comedy in its exploration of societal beauty standards, sci-fi-and-fantasy elements, and the destructive power of patriarchal norms.
