The Ugly Stepsister

2025, Norway – Denmark – Romania – Poland, 109 min., Feature, Drama, Horror, Comedy

Director: Emilie Blichfeldt
Script: Emilie Blichfeldt
Director of Photography: Karl-Erik Brinnkeland
Cast: Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Vibeke Idsøe
Producer: Meriann Kerhoff (70mm)

“The Ugly Stepsister” is a provocative and visually stunning reimagining of the Cinderella tale, seen through the eyes of the “wicked” stepsister, Elvira. In a world obsessed with beauty and perfection, Elvira undergoes extreme and painful procedures to fit the standards of the royal court. Emilie Blichfeldt creates a surreal narrative about vanity, body dysmorphia, and the longing for love, transforming the classic plot into a modern and dark reflection on what it truly means to be “beautiful”.

Emilie Blichfeldt

Emilie Blichfeldt is one of Norway’s most promising new voices. In her feature debut “The Ugly Stepsister”, Blichfeldt solidifies her style, which often blends elements of the grotesque, feminism, and fairytale aesthetics.


FILMOGRAPHY

2025 – The Ugly Stepsister

FESTIVALS, AWARDS AND NOMINATIONS

2025 – European Film Awards (EFA) Nomination – European Discovery (Prix FIPRESCI)
2025 – Amanda Award (Norwegian Film Awards) Winner – Best Production Design
2025 – Amanda Award Winner – Best Make-up and Hair
2025 – Amanda Award Nomination – Best Visual Effects
2025 – Dragon Award Nomination – Best Nordic Film (Göteborg Film Festival)
2025 – Audience Award – Imagine Film Festival
2025 – Special Jury Prize for Visual Audacity – Gérardmer Fantasy Film Festival