Exploring New Frontiers in Genre Cinema

Following the unexpected crossover success of Coralie Fargeat’s Cannes body-horror sensation The Substance last year, there has been considerable discussion about the Academy’s potential openness to genre films. Now, to further examine this notion, we have an extraordinary offering from Norway: an extreme fairytale that debuted at Sundance. This film delves into themes of female desire and self-esteem, pushing boundaries with its graphic sexual content and unsettling portrayals of body modification. Emilie Blichfeldt’s darkly humorous and provocative film could have toned down some of its more shocking moments to appeal to a broader audience, but her commitment to an audacious vision positions her as a director likely to attract actors eager for challenging roles.

A Fresh Take on a Classic Tale

As the title suggests, this film offers a familiar narrative from an unexpected perspective—a Cinderella story where the titular character takes a backseat. The protagonist, Elvira (Lea Myren), is the teenage daughter of a society woman who is distraught when her widowed mother, Rebekka (the outstanding Ane Dahl Torp), remarries into a seemingly affluent family. Elvira’s new home is a castle, igniting her fantasies of marrying the local nobleman, Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth), a poet and heartthrob. Her dreams appear closer to reality when she and her stunning new stepsister, Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Naess), receive an invitation to a ball hosted by the prince.

Unraveling the Truth

However, Elvira soon uncovers the truth about her mother’s new husband: after he unexpectedly dies at the dinner table, it becomes clear that he is financially destitute—a revelation that leaves Rebekka equally disheartened. In desperate need of funds, she neglects her husband’s body and invests her remaining resources into Elvira, hoping the prince’s ball will secure her a wealthy suitor.

Complex Characters and Gender Dynamics

Notably, Blichfeldt takes a nuanced approach to characters typically cast as villains in traditional narratives. In a surprising twist, Elvira’s rival, Agnes, is portrayed as a spoiled brat who faces demotion to scullery maid after being caught with the stable boy. Yet, the rivalry central to the original tale is absent; in this heightened fairytale world, all women are depicted as second-class citizens, existing for male pleasure. Both Elvira and Agnes emerge as victims, with Myren delivering a poignant performance as a young woman grappling with her identity and self-worth. This is where the title resonates, as Blichfeldt deconstructs the sexist underpinnings of the Cinderella story. What defines “ugliness” in a stepsister? And, while we’re at it, what constitutes “beauty”?

Philosophical Undertones and Visual Impact

This seemingly whimsical philosophical inquiry is vividly illustrated through the character of Dr. Esthétique (Adam Lundgren), a flamboyant cosmetic surgeon who grotesquely reshapes Elvira’s nose and attaches fake eyelashes in scenes that evoke and surpass the intensity of A Clockwork Orange. Meanwhile, Agnes receives a visit from a fairy godmother, who magically crafts a stunning ballgown from silkworms and conjures a carriage from a pumpkin—scenes that are implied rather than shown.

Breaking Stereotypes

Blichfeldt’s film serves as a brilliant thought experiment, dismantling the stereotypes inherent in the Cinderella narrative. It refrains from pitting the two women against each other in a sordid competition for the prince’s attention—who is revealed early on to be rather unlikable. Instead, it portrays both women in equal states of servitude and desperation.

A Gripping Climax

The climax inevitably involves a misplaced slipper, and Elvira’s harrowing attempts to fit her foot into it are not for the faint-hearted. While the graphic content may limit The Ugly Stepsister’s commercial appeal, it offers something refreshingly different and exhilarating. The film’s raw, punk-rock energy is bound to resonate with audiences craving innovative storytelling.

Key Details

Title: The Ugly Stepsister

Distributor: Vertigo (UK), IFC (US)

Director/Screenwriter: Emilie Blichfeldt

Cast: Lea Myren, Ane Dahl Torp, Thea Sofie Loch Naess, Isac Calmroth, Adam Lundgren

Running Time: 1 hr 45 mins