Cinderella-Inspired Body Horror Movie The Ugly Stepsister Is Now Available to Stream %v

It's become a trend to transform beloved Disney tales into horror movies, tapping into the nostalgia of childhood favorites for shock value. However, The Ugly Stepsister stands out by offering a thoughtful commentary on its source material. This Norwegian body horror film draws inspiration from the Cinderella story, a choice that feels more fitting for the genre than adaptations like Winnie the Pooh.

Despite its deeper themes, The Ugly Stepsister doesn't shy away from being disturbingly graphic. Reports from its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025 included incidents of audience members feeling nauseated, and it currently boasts a 95% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. IGN's critic, Katie Rife, noted that "A strong stomach is non-negotiable... as The Ugly Stepsister takes the concept of suffering for beauty to graphic, nauseating extremes."

For those curious to test their endurance, The Ugly Stepsister is now available to watch at home.

**How to Watch The Ugly Stepsister Online**

The Ugly Stepsister

You can stream The Ugly Stepsister on Shudder, a horror-centric streaming platform that offers plans starting at $7.50 per month, with a 7-day free trial. Shudder's content is also available through an AMC+ subscription. If you're not looking to commit to another subscription, you can rent or purchase the film on digital platforms like Prime Video.

The movie became available for streaming less than a month after its U.S. theatrical release, and about five months following its initial premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. It also premiered in Norway a month before hitting North American theaters, indicating a solid theatrical run for an independent horror film.

**What’s The Ugly Stepsister About?**

The Ugly Stepsister (Den stygge stesøsteren in Norwegian) is inspired by the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, rather than the Disney adaptation. According to IGN's review, "The Ugly Stepsister depicts crude and agonizing cosmetic-surgery procedures that – believe it or not – are not that far off from historical reality." The film's exploration of body horror and societal beauty standards has drawn comparisons to last year's The Substance. Here's the official synopsis:

Determined to outshine her beautiful stepsister, Elvira resorts to extreme measures to win the prince's heart in this dark re-imagining of the Cinderella fairy tale.