The Ugly Stepsister Review

Review: The Ugly Stepsister (2025) Review

Introduction

Emilie Blichfeldt's The Ugly Stepsister, released on March 7, 2025, is a refreshing horrifyingly comical take on the classic fairy tale, offering a captivating blend of genres that makes for an entertaining and thought-provoking cinematic experience. With a TMDB rating of 7.1/10 and a runtime of 109 minutes, this film delves into the darker side of beauty and the lengths one may go to achieve it.

Cinematography

Cinematographer Lone Scherfig utilizes an inventive visual style that beautifully complements the film's dark humor. The use of high contrast and deep shadows creates a sense of unease, reflecting the protagonist's internal struggle. Notably, a climactic scene in which Elvira confronts her beauty-obsessed stepsister in a hall of mirrors is masterfully shot, with the mirrors' distorted reflections effectively conveying the characters' psychological states. The rich color palette further enhances the story's emotional depth, with warm hues during moments of hope and cool tones during the more somber scenes.

Performances

The ensemble cast delivers compelling performances that breathe life into their complex characters. Lea Myren powerfully portrays Elvira, her subtle expressions and emotive delivery capturing the character's inner turmoil. Ane Dahl Torp's performance as the beautiful stepsister is chilling, as she skillfully balances the character's vanity and cruelty with moments of vulnerability. Supporting actors Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Flo Fagerli, and Isac Calmroth round out the cast with strong performances that help flesh out the intricate web of relationships within the kingdom.

Direction

Director Emilie Blichfeldt demonstrates a strong understanding of her material, skillfully weaving together horror, comedy, fantasy, and drama to create a unique and engaging film. Blichfeldt's masterful direction is evident in the clever use of pacing, which builds tension and humor in equal measure. The film's dark humor is expertly balanced, never veering into campiness or becoming too heavy-handed. Blichfeldt also excels in character development, ensuring that each character's motivations and emotions are clearly communicated, making the audience care about their fates.

Conclusion

The Ugly Stepsister is a delightful and thought-provoking film that offers a fresh take on a classic tale. With beautiful cinematography, compelling performances, and masterful direction, Emilie Blichfeldt has crafted a film that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. This dark comedy-drama is a must-watch for fans of genre-blending films and those who enjoy exploring the darker aspects of fairy tales.