A Look at Second Sight’s Release of The Ugly Stepsister
Every so often a film comes along that takes a story everybody knows and somehow makes it feel completely fresh again. That is exactly what Emilie Blichfeldt achieves with The Ugly Stepsister, a darkly comic, gothic and often deeply uncomfortable retelling of the Cinderella story that has quickly become one of the most talked-about genre films of recent years.
Now available on both Blu-ray and 4K UHD from Second Sight Films, this is the kind of release physical media collectors love to see. Packed with bonus features, housed in a beautiful limited edition package and showcasing one of the most distinctive horror films of the past couple of years, it is easy to recommend both the film and the release itself.
Unlike most versions of Cinderella, Blichfeldt’s film shifts the focus away from the fairy tale princess and instead places one of the so-called ugly stepsisters firmly at the centre of the story. The result is a fascinating perspective shift that transforms a familiar fairy tale into something far darker, sadder and considerably more grotesque.
Lea Myren stars as Elvira, a young woman desperate to win the affection of Prince Julian. When her family’s financial future begins to crumble, her mother becomes obsessed with turning Elvira into the perfect bride. What follows is a relentless pursuit of beauty and social status that pushes Elvira through a series of increasingly horrific transformations.
The film’s greatest strength is that it never treats Elvira as a villain. In traditional tellings of Cinderella, the stepsisters are often little more than cruel caricatures. Here, Blichfeldt presents Elvira as a sympathetic and tragically flawed young woman whose insecurities are exploited by a society obsessed with appearance. The audience understands exactly why she makes the choices she does, even as those choices become more desperate and self-destructive.
This is where The Ugly Stepsister becomes far more than simply a horror version of Cinderella. Beneath the fairy tale framework lies a sharp social satire examining beauty standards, body image and the impossible expectations often placed upon women. It is easy to see why comparisons have been made to Coralie Fargeat’s The Substance, though Blichfeldt’s film ultimately carves out its own identity.
What truly separates the film from many modern horror releases is its willingness to commit fully to its ideas. When the body horror arrives, it arrives with force. Cosmetic procedures, weight loss methods and physical transformations are depicted with a level of detail that will leave many viewers squirming in their seats. Several scenes have already become infamous among horror fans, not because they rely on jump scares, but because they tap into very real anxieties surrounding appearance and self-worth.
Yet despite the discomfort, there is a wicked sense of humour running throughout the film. Blichfeldt frequently finds laughs in the absurdity of the situation, creating a strange balancing act between horror, tragedy and dark comedy. One moment you are cringing, the next you are laughing, and shortly afterwards you feel guilty for laughing in the first place.
Visually, the film is stunning. Cinematographer Marcel Zyskind creates a world that feels simultaneously beautiful and rotten beneath the surface. Lavish costumes, elegant locations and fairy tale imagery are contrasted against moments of genuine horror, creating a visual style that feels both classic and modern. The production design deserves enormous praise, helping the film feel like a twisted storybook brought to life.
The performances are equally strong throughout. Lea Myren carries the film brilliantly, delivering a layered and emotionally complex performance that ensures Elvira remains compelling even during her darkest moments. Ane Dahl Torp is excellent as the ambitious and manipulative Rebekka, while Thea Sofie Loch Næss brings a surprisingly nuanced edge to Agnes, the film’s version of Cinderella.
As impressive as the film is, Second Sight deserves equal credit for the presentation. The company has built a reputation for producing some of the finest physical media releases available anywhere in the world, and The Ugly Stepsister continues that tradition.
Both the Blu-ray and UHD releases feature a substantial collection of bonus material. Viewers can enjoy a brand-new audio commentary featuring director Emilie Blichfeldt and filmmaker Patrik Syversen, alongside a second commentary by horror writer and critic Meagan Navarro. There are also new interviews with Blichfeldt, Lea Myren and Thea Sofie Loch Næss, providing fascinating insight into the development of the film and the challenges of bringing such an unusual vision to life.
Fans interested in the practical effects work will particularly enjoy Character and Gore, a new interview with effects artist Thomas Foldberg, as well as The Beauty of Ugly: The Effects of The Ugly Stepsister. Additional extras include a deleted scene, a critical appreciation by Kat Hughes and two short films directed by Blichfeldt before making her feature debut: How Do You Like My Hair? and Sara’s Intimate Confessions.
The Ugly Stepsister is a Second Sight Gem
Collectors will naturally gravitate towards the limited edition release, and for good reason. The set includes both the UHD and Blu-ray versions of the film, housed inside a rigid slipcase featuring striking new artwork by Ann Bembi. Also included is a substantial 120-page book featuring writing by Blichfeldt herself, storyboard comparisons and essays from several respected film writers and critics. Six collector’s art cards complete the package.
It is exactly the kind of release that reminds people why physical media remains important. Streaming may offer convenience, but it rarely offers the level of care, presentation and appreciation found in releases like this.
Whether you are a horror fan, a collector or simply someone curious to see one of the most inventive reinterpretations of a classic fairy tale in years, The Ugly Stepsister is well worth your time. It is dark, funny, unsettling, beautifully crafted and unlike almost anything else currently available.
As for the Second Sight release, it is precisely the sort of package that collectors have come to expect from one of the very best labels in the business. You can order The Ugly Stepsister right HERE.
