Overview

• The Ugly Stepsister, directed by Emilie Blichfeldt and starring Lea Myren, opens in theaters nationwide today, April 18, 2025.
• The film reimagines the Cinderella story from the perspective of the stepsister, exploring the extreme pressures of beauty norms through graphic body horror.
• Scenes of violent cosmetic surgeries and self-mutilation have drawn comparisons to 2024’s The Substance, with reports of intense audience reactions during its Sundance premiere.
• Lead actress Lea Myren researched pain responses to authentically portray her character’s physical and emotional suffering.
• Director Emilie Blichfeldt emphasizes the film’s critique of societal beauty expectations and concludes with a message of healing and self-acceptance.