The Ugly Stepsister

'The Ugly Stepsister' is a Norwegian satirical black comedy with elements of horror written and directed by Emilie Blichfeldt, marking her directorial debut. It is an antagonistic version of the classic Cinderella story, focusing on Elvira, who competes with her sister for beauty in a bloody battle. Premiering in January 2025 at the Sundance Film Festival, the film will be released on March 7, 2025, in Norway.

Rebekka and Otto are two widowers. She has two ugly daughters, Elvira and Alma, while he is the father of a beautiful daughter, Agnes. Both are broke but think the other is wealthy, so they end up marrying to unite their families. When they realize their true financial situation, the surprise is immense.

Now, Agnes has to live with her stepmother and two stepsisters. Rebekka, in an attempt to improve the family's social status, wants to marry Elvira off to Prince Julian. The mother, aware of how unattractive her daughter is, will do everything possible to enhance her daughter's beauty so that she can marry Julian, even though Agnes is the one who truly has the advantage in securing the marriage.

The film stars Lea Myren, Ane Dahl Torp, Thea Sofie Loch Naess, Flo Fagerli, and Isaac Calmroth. The film has received great reviews and several awards, aiming for the official section of the Sitges Film Festival.