The makers of The Ugly Stepsister has released a trailer for the horror-comedy that's inspired by Charles Perrault's classic fairytale, Cinderella. Written and directed by Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt in her directorial debut, the film recently premiered at the Sundance Film Festival held on January 23 this year.
Blichfeldt recently told entertainment outlet Variety that she was also inspired by the Brothers Grimm version of the fairytale and “immediately" identifying with the stepsister character.
The film, backed by IFC Films and Shudder, is dark take on the fairytale. Headlined by Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Flo Fagerli, and Ane Dahl Torp, The Ugly Stepsister revolves around Elivira (Lea Myren) who is willing to go to any lengths to sidestep her sister and win the attention of a prince.
From the footage, it is evident the film is isn't for the faint-hearted as it shows graphic violence, self-harm, and elements of body horror as in the films of David Cronenberg (The Fly) or Coralie Fargeat (The Substance). There was a report of one audience member throwing up during a particularly unpleasant scene.
In an interaction with Filmmaker Magazine, Blichfeld praised Myren's performance. "Her fearless and wholehearted portrayal brought Elvira to life in ways I never imagined—effortlessly navigating innocence, dreams, madness, pain and even raw, visceral moments like vomiting. Lea embodies the courage and freedom I wish I had embraced as a young woman, unbound by societal constraints or body image struggles. She is more than an extraordinary actor; she is a symbol of hope and inspiration for future generations of girls and women. I couldn’t be prouder that she is the one carrying Elvira and her story into the world."
The Ugly Stepsister is slated for release in U.S. theatres on April 18, 2025.
