The Ugly Stepsister

Opened Friday, April 18, 2025

SHOWTIMES AT IFC CENTER

Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m.: Q&A with star Thea Sofie Loch Næss

Facing desperate financial straits, wide-eyed and awkward Elvira prepares for the royal ball, where she must compete with her beautiful new stepsister to capture the attention and riches of the handsome prince. Under her mother’s direction, Elvira subjects herself to dancing lessons, primitive plastic surgery, and much, much, worse, but her swanlike transformation comes at a devastating (and disgusting) price.

Official selection: Sundance, Berlinale

“An impressive feature debut that manages a rare feat: offering a wholly unique version of a classic fairy tale that we’ve never seen before while returning to its violent roots. It’s elegant, stylish, and gnarly.” – Bloody Disgusting


  • Country Norway, Poland, Sweden, Denmark
  • Language Norwegian with English subtitles
  • Running Time 109 minutes
  • Format DCP
  • Distributor Shudder
  • Director Emilie Blichfeldt
  • Cast Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp
  • Accessibility Assistive Listening, T-Coil

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.