## New Horror Film So Brutal, It’s Making Audiences Sick
A new horror film, *The Ugly Stepsister*, is generating intense reactions, with reports of viewers vomiting during screenings. The film, a twisted reimagining of the Cinderella fairytale, has already garnered significant critical acclaim, boasting a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.9/10 on IMDb. Reviewers praise its disturbing yet insightful exploration of beauty standards and their horrifying consequences. Robert Kojder of Flickering Myth describes it as “simultaneously gross and emotionally devastating,” while Jon Negroni of In Between Drafts lauds the special effects team for their “gruesome transformations.” The Wrap’s Chase Hutchinson notes the film’s ability to burrow “right to the beating heart of the story.”
Directed by Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt in her feature film debut, *The Ugly Stepsister* (titled *Den stygge stesøster* in Norwegian) follows Elvira (Lea Myren) as she undertakes extreme measures to achieve physical perfection. The cast also includes Flo Fagerli, Isac Calmroth, Malte Gårdinger, Ralph Carlsson, and Willy Ramnek Petri. Blichfeldt drew inspiration from the darker interpretations of Brothers Grimm fairytales, contrasting them with the Disney versions. She cites David Cronenberg, a pioneer of body horror, as a major influence, stating that while she’s personally afraid of traditional horror, Cronenberg’s work resonated with her thematic exploration of the body and its complexities.
The film, categorized as body horror, features graphic depictions of cosmetic surgery and other disturbing visuals. *Variety* reported an audience member vomited during the Sundance Film Festival premiere, highlighting the film’s intense and visceral nature. These “difficult-to-watch scenes,” as described by some critics, center on Elvira’s pursuit of an idealized beauty. The film’s unflinching portrayal of this pursuit is clearly having a significant impact on viewers.
*The Ugly Stepsister* premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and will be released in Norway on March 7, 2025. It will also be available to stream on Shudder in the U.K., the U.S., Australia, and New Zealand. The film’s strong critical reception and visceral impact promise to solidify its place as a significant addition to the body horror genre.