The Ugly Stepsister review – body-horror take on Cinderella is ingenious reworking of fairy tale
Norwegian director Emilie Blichfeldt makes her feature debut with an ingenious revisionist body-horror version of Cinderella, lavishly costumed and designed. There are twists in the style of David Cronenberg and Walerian Borowczyk, with (maybe inevitably) echoes of Carrie and Alien. In one scene, there could even be a nod to Picnic at Hanging Rock.
Cynical widow Rebekka (Ane Dahl Torp) remarries a well-heeled widower somewhere in 18th-century central Europe; he then makes her a widow for the second time by fatally gorging on cake at the wedding breakfast. As a result, Rebekka is left financially embarrassed with her plain daughter Elvira (Lea Myren), Elvira's kid sister Alma (Flo Fagerli) and a new stepdaughter Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Naess), a beautiful young woman who haughtily resents the ugly Elvira. Instead of paying for a funeral for her late husband, Rebekka lets his body rot somewhere in the house while spending money on bizarre cosmetic treatments for Elvira – brutal nose- and eyelash-remodelling – in the hope that Prince Julian (Isac Calmroth) will choose her for his bride at his forthcoming ball. But Elvira rashly swallows a tapeworm to allow her to indulge a passion for cakes (Ozempic not being available in those days) and calamity approaches.
Amusingly, Blichfeldt upends expectations about which of the two female leads truly is the cruel and vain stepsister, and which therefore has the authentic inner beauty. As with the original version, there is a plot hole with regard to the trying-on-the-slipper scene: surely the Prince can see from faces who is, and is not, his true love. Or … maybe it isn't a plot hole? Perhaps the body-appendage fetishism taking precedence over facial recognition is the point. This is a movie hyper-aware of the sexual and patriarchal imagery of Cinderella, a film in the post-feminist tradition of Angela Carter and, unlike Michael Pataki's lowbrow 1977 porn-musical version, it avoids the obvious sexual symbolism of the foot in the slipper. Blichfeldt has made an elegant debut.
The Ugly Stepsister is in US cinemas now, and UK and Irish cinemas from 25 April
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Daily Record
Netflix fans binge-watching Black Mirror 'dupe' mini-series in one day
The six-part mini series has a standalone episode, which has been described as viewers as 'disturbing enough to make it a decent watch' Netflix fans are convinced they have discovered a hidden gem on the streaming platform and it's been dubbed as a 'Scandanavian Black Mirror'. The platform offers a bundle of options from gripping hit crime series and your classic films. The mini-series has been hailed as underrated, and is apparently so good some have been left binge-watching the anthology series in one night. It seems the Norwegian version of the classic Black Mirror has slipped under the radar for some. Bloodride consists of six episodes, all consisting of half an hour running time each. It was first released back in 2020, and each offers its own unique episode as a standalone horror story. Each opening scene in an episode features a spooky and mysterious 'spectral bus', which transports passengers to whatever doomed destination awaits them ahead. One episode follows a man leaving a psych hospital, who joins his brothers for a road trip. However things quickly unravel, as the ride turns into a dark, twisted descent none of them saw coming. Another is centred on a corporate drug trial which locks co-workers in a room with a serum that strips away all social niceties. As ambition and fear take over, office politics turn into a grotesque and bloody free-for-all. Taking to Reddit, one fan gushed about how incredible they thought the show was. "Bloodride on Netflix is phenomenal," they began. "I started watching it pretty casually over the weekend and boy was I blown away." Describing it as a horror anthology series 'with vaguely Black Mirror vibes', they added: "I haven't thoroughly enjoyed a show on Netflix for a little while now and then came this little gem of a show." A second fan agreed: "It's excellent and original," as a third wrote: "I really hope they do another season of this show... worth 30 minutes of your time to watch. IMO a fun series to watch." A fourth added: "I watched it in a single day. It was a bit predictable but highly enjoyable. I hope they make a season 2!" Another weighed in: "A more concise Black Mirror. Plenty of twists and turns, predictable or otherwise, to keep your mind occupied and entertained." But not everyone rated the series as highly, according to its Tomatoes score. It wasn't rated by critics and earned just 59 percent from fans. "Kind of a mixed bag," one viewer said. "Great if you are looking for a short watch as all of the episodes are stand alone. All of the episodes are also well made. I will say some episodes are definitely better than others." Another summed it up: "Basically the Scandinavian version of a Black Mirror type anthology series, but horror (not tech/sci-fi). Each episode is like an interesting short story based on some horror concept, mostly realistic, that could be brought about by human flaws with a distinct mental illness vibe (think 'The Yellow Wallpaper'). "Not as highbrow or expertly crafted as Black Mirror, but each episode is interesting and disturbing enough to make it a decent watch."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Love Island's Megan Clarke takes celebrity inspiration with nameplate necklace
Personalised jewellery is a major jewellery trend this year, and Love Island's Megan Forte Clarke has just taken inspiraton from Michelle Keegan with her personalised gold chain Nameplate and initial necklaces have been one of the biggest jewellery trends of the past year. Thanks to major celebs like Michelle Keegan's Palma necklace, Carrie Bradshaw's iconic nameplate chain and even Princess Kate's initial necklace dedicated to her children, it's clear to see personalised jewellery is in. Of course, this isn't exactly new, but it seems to be more popular than ever, with royals and celebs donning necklaces, bracelets, or rings with family members' initials on them And Love Island 's Megan Forte Clarke has joined in on the trend. For the first evening of the first episode, Megan can be seen sporting a gold nameplate necklace while getting to know her new partner. The Love Islander teamed the simple italic nameplate necklace with a pair of statement gold floral earrings and a slick back half up, half down hairstyle, which really let her jewellery do all the talking. We're unsure of where Megan's exact one is from, but if you want to take some inspiration we've found a few of our favourite alternatives from brands including Abbott Lyon and PRYA. Shop personalised jewellery PRYA Custom Name Necklace Available currently for £42 Similar to Michelle Keegan's Palma necklace and Megan's nameplate chain, we love how simple and subtle this personalised name necklace is. And if gold isn't your style, you can shop it in silver as well. The great thing about this piece being so minimalist is that yuo can layer it up with other necklaces for a more statement look. Not on the High Street's Sterling Silver Name Necklace Available currently for £33.60 If you want to switch up the font style, this name necklace from Potiega on Not on the High Street gives you plenty of creative freedom. You can choose from six different fonts including scripts and old English, and there's sterling silver, 18k gold and rose gold plated finishes to choose from. There's also different chain lengths, and you can use up to 10 characters for your personalisation. Lily & Roo Solid Gold Curve Initial Necklace Available for £125 If you don't want to opt for the full name like Megan, this initial necklace is a great alternative. Made out of solid 9ct gold, this chain makes the perfect gift for a friend or loved one. Abbott Lyon's Carrie Name Necklace Available for £85 here The Carrie necklace from Abbott Lyon features a classic italic script-style writing that looks so chic. It also comes in 18k gold, silver and rose gold plated options with a choice of three different chain lengths to pick from. Y ou can personalise it with up to 12 characters, and you have the option of adding extras like a birthstone pendant or an extra half chain for a layered look.
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Love Island star Megan Forte Clarke looks unrecognisable before finding fame as her glam makeover is revealed
Love Island star Megan Forte Clark looks totally unrecognisable in unearthed snaps of her before finding fame. The energy broker and actress, 24, is one of the 12 new islanders set to step into the iconic villa on Monday evening. Originally from Dublin, Megan has been dubbed a Maura Higgins lookalike from the minute she was rumoured to be in the line up. But old snaps of the star show her looking wildly different in her younger years before undergoing a glam makeover. Musical Theatre-loving Megan was seen posing for snaps with her pals sporting a backwards cap in costume for a production of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, while another snap showed her in a fresh-faced selfie. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Originally from Dublin, Megan has been dubbed a Maura Higgins lookalike from the minute she was rumoured to be in the line up Megan could also be seen sporting a very grungy style in a beanie hat and purple lipstick, as well as a fishnet face covering. She recently starred as one of the Ugly Sisters in Cinderella, but she's likely to get the pulses racing on the ITV2 show due to her sassy Irish charm, which sparks further similarities to Love Island legend Maura. And Megan recently shared her priceless response after she was branded a 'Maura clone'. Commenting on the comparison and admitted it feels, 'Like unreal and like weird? Yes, thank you. Biggest compliment ever.' Maura, 34, is one of the show's success stories, staying in the Love Island family after reaching the final with Curtis Pritchard on series five in 2019. She went on to become the social media presenter for Love Island USA and Love Island Games, before taking her talents across the pond to present Love Island USA: Aftersun. And ITV bosses are hoping that Megan can recreate some of Maura's Irish magic on the series this year. Megan also revealed she shared a connection with Harriet Blackmore who featured in last year's Love Island. Megan could also be seen sporting a very grungy style in a beanie hat and purple lipstick, as well as a fishnet face covering 'I actually am friends with Harriet from last season. We worked together in Brighton for two years, so she's prepared me,' Megan explained. 'She's been telling me what to pack and stuff. So I feel like that's been a big help having her. 'I'm just excited, it's a once in a lifetime opportunity, so I'm buzzing to get in there,' she added. Megan shared that they had a further connection to one another and went to the same university and went on to work together. She said: 'So we actually went to the same uni, but not at the same time, which is funny, but we worked in flannels together in Brighton.' The energy broker and actress, 24, is one of the 12 new islanders set to step into the iconic villa on Monday. (L-R Harry, Blu, Alima,Tommy, Megan, Helena, Ben, Sophie, Meg, Sharkia, Dejon and Conor) Megan has a distinguishing feature that won't go unnoticed, a Harry Potter-style lightning scar on her forehead, which she claims was a result of her 'slipping and falling down the stairs.' The actress already has a sizeable TikTok following and the social media platform is where she makes her comparison with unlucky-in-love Bridget. She said: 'I am the modern day Bridget Jones. Can I hold a man down? Don't be silly. 'Have I just been ghosted again? Absolutely. Am I still funny AF with great t*ts? Obvs.' NAME: Sophie Lee AGE: 29 FROM: Manchester OCCUPATION: Motivational Speaker and Author WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is fun, spontaneous, who has a lot of jokes and who is attentive. At the moment I'm only finding ones draped in red flags and 'do not cross' signs IF YOU WERE THE CEO OF SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE? I'm the CEO of empowerment. I want women to feel beautiful and validated in themselves and feel their best self. NAME: Dejon Noel Williams AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Semi-pro footballer and personal trainer WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is beautiful on the inside and out, looks after themselves and is healthy CLAIM TO FAME? My dad being an ex-professional footballer. I've met all kinds of famous people through him. When I was younger it was weird because he was just my dad, but we'd go to a game and fans were asking for photos. I've met David Beckham, he was really nice. NAME: Megan Moore AGE: 25 FROM: Southampton OCCUPATION: Payroll specialist WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'd like to meet someone who is tall, with a nice tan, nice eyes and a nice smile. He needs to have a good fashion sense and a really good, funny personality that I can get on with HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt, right now. But we're going to make sales and get on that corporate ladder and be booming. Profits, profits, profits! NAME: Tommy Bradley AGE: 22 FROM: Hertfordshire OCCUPATION: Landscape Gardener WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A girl who is very ambitious, with a big personality, caring, but also someone that doesn't take themselves too seriously. I don't know if that's asking for too much, but I want a bit of everything. I haven't got a specific type in terms of looks, though. WHAT WOULD YOU BE CEO OF? Taking hours to do my hair NAME: Alima Gagio AGE: 23 FROM: Glasgow OCCUPATION: Wealth Management Client Services Executive WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? A tall man with a handsome face. You know when you just look at a guy and they have that Disney prince look to them? That's it WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I think she'd hire me because I'm a good flirt. I always ask guys on a night out to guess which country I'm originally from. If they get it right, they can get my number. But they never guess correctly so it works really well if you don't want to give a guy your number. I'm originally from Guinea Bissau. If they're close and I really fancy them, I'll give them my number anyway. NAME: Ben Holbrough AGE: 23 FROM: Gloucester OCCUPATION: Private Hire Taxi driver WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone sexy, good looking, good chat, good vibes, nice teeth and good eye contact - they're all the traits I look for. Oh, and also a cute smile, I just look at you and know I can be around you all day, every day. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Bankrupt. I'd have been out of business a long time ago. That's exactly why I'm here. NAME: Helena Ford AGE: 29 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Cabin Crew WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Somebody funny or Northern. I feel like Northern people have much more banter than Southerners. If you look through my previous dating history, you'll see I clearly go for personality. You can pretty much laugh me into bed. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? I would say hire but then quickly fire soon after. It would only be a temporary contract. NAME: Megan Forte Clarke AGE: 24 FROM: Dublin OCCUPATION: Musical theatre performer and energy broker WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who doesn't take themselves too seriously and has a sense of humour. If they're not bad looking, that's always a plus. I love a boy that's a bit pasty, like Timothée Chalamet. I don't mind scrawny, or a bit of a 'dad bod'. I'm 5ft1 so any height really. CLAIM TO FAME? Me and my friends made a Derry Girls TikTok for Halloween and it went a bit viral around Brighton. Sometimes I get stopped in the street about it. I've also done Panto. NAME: Blu Chegini AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is family oriented, has a lot of love to give and a lot of love to receive. Personality goes a long way. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? She'd fire me, but I've got the charm to smooth things over with a girl. The fact I speak fluent Spanish comes in handy when it comes to flirting! NAME: Shakira Khan AGE: 26 FROM: London OCCUPATION: Construction Project Manager WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone who is tall, charming, witty, with big arms, a good smile and just really funny. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR LOVE LIFE? Booming, but they're all frogs. It's a busy love life but I've not found 'the husband', I'm looking for 'the one'. I'm looking for the ring. NAME: Harry Cooksley AGE: 30 FROM: Guildford OCCUPATION: Gold trader, semi-professional footballer and model WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? The girl next door that makes me laugh and can hold eye contact with me. I don't think I'd go for the most obvious girl, I like a real sweet girl. CLAIM TO FAME? I'm the body double for Declan Rice. So when he does a shoot, any body close ups will actually be me. You'll never see my face, but you'll see my shoulder or chest, that kind of thing. NAME: Conor Phillips AGE: 23 FROM: Limerick OCCUPATION: Professional rugby player WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?Someone who is really sure of themselves, ambitious, a bit of a go-getter and good craic. I like dark eyes and I don't mind a dominant woman. WOULD MAYA HIRE YOU FOR YOUR FLIRTING SKILLS? Definitely hire. I ask girls if they want to go halves on a baby. It doesn't work, but it gets them laughing. It's an ice-breaker, not a serious question of course! NAME: Toni Laites AGE: 24 FROM: Connecticut OCCUPATION: Las Vegas Pool Cabana Server WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? I'm looking for darker hair, definitely muscular but not too muscular. Super fit. Clean hair cut. Someone that can make me laugh - I'm super outgoing. And someone that's quite active. Maybe one day we could start our own family together. I WANT TO DATE A BRITISH GUY BECAUSE... I've lived in three different states and I'm still single. It's time to try something new! I have some British friends and they're pretty charming. I think all Americans love a good accent. British men are just more polite, with better manners. NAME: Kyle Ashman AGE: 23 FROM: Stafford OCCUPATION: Water operative WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR? Someone that's fun, confident and just themselves. I'd say I'd be hired. I just go with it, find something to compliment a girl on and go from there.
