As a woman, I found it a painful yet astute exploration of manufactured beauty and its horrifying results.
In this warpedtake onCinderella, its stepsister Elvira (Lea Myren) who takes center stage.
To that end,The Ugly Stepsisterfinds its horrors in the grotesque.
Its no wondersomeone vomited during the films Sundance premiere.
I empathized with Elvira but also grew to be frustrated with her actions.
Shes a victim of such unrealistic societal ideals but does her best to meet them regardless.
Its a fascinating juxtaposition we have arguably all participated in.
At the start of the film, we witness Elviras innocence.
Shes just happy to be in a new home with a new stepsister.
The Ugly Stepsister offers a comedic horror twist on the classic fairy tale, centering on Cinderella’s stepsister, Elvira. Set in a kingdom obsessed with beauty, Elvira competes with her glamorous sibling, resorting to drastic measures to win the prince’s affection.
Shes happily taken with the prince from afar.
Myren brings all of these conflicting feelings to the forefront, masterfully bringing us into Elviras layered world.
The Ugly Stepsisterpremiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival and is now playing in theaters.
