New horror movie debuts with near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating

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The Norwegian folktale, “The Ugly Stepsister,” has made an impressive debut with almost a flawless rating on the movie review site, Rotten Tomatoes.

Following its debut at the Sundance Film Festival, the new movie directed by Emilie Blichfeldt has received an impressive 96% rating from 24 critic reviews, as reported today.

In a darker and more brutal interpretation of the classic Grimm Brothers tale “Cinderella,” the film focuses on Elvira (played by Lea Myren), the title character who is obsessed with beauty standards and resorts to extreme, graphic measures to attract the prince.

In March, “The Ugly Stepsister” is set to debut in Norway, and it’s now been secured for streaming by Shudder – a platform that bought the distribution rights for countries including the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.

Before it broadly premieres in cinemas, let’s examine the opinions of critics from Sundance regarding this medieval adaptation of The Substance.

Bloody Disgusting

Rather than exploring dreamy love stories during the Renaissance, Blichfeldt delves into the gruesome realities of medieval women’s ordeals on their quest for a blissful future. It’s a blend of sophistication, style, and raw intensity. (Written in first person: “Instead of immersing myself in romantic tales of the Renaissance, Blichfeldt takes me on a journey through the brutal trials endured by medieval women in their pursuit of ‘happily ever after.’ It’s a captivating mix of elegance, style, and grit.”)

The Hollywood Reporter

Blichfeldt’s artistic goal – to dominate with hyper-pop music – and an engaging portrayal by Lea Myren as the main character Cinderella, give life to a movie that sometimes struggles under the weight of its comedic elements.”

Here I have tried to maintain the original meaning while using simpler and more natural language.

RogerEbert.com

Myren captivates us here with her expressive eyes. She skillfully preserves the overall mood of the work in harmony with Blichfeldt.

AV Club

Emilie Blichfeldt, a talented Norwegian director, offers a chilling twist on the classic tale of Cinderella with her debut film, presenting a version darker than anything the Brothers Grimm could imagine.

IGN Movies

The story is told primarily from the perspective of its adolescent character, which means it may not explore a wide spectrum of emotions. However, this approach proves successful in delivering a disturbing, vivid display.

Variety

As a follower, I can’t help but notice how Blichfeldt skillfully portrays his female characters, juxtaposing their feelings against societal expectations. It becomes strikingly evident that unattainable beauty norms are the most unfair of them all, whether in our reality or in this warped fictional realm they inhabit.

Collider

Although “The Ugly Stepsister” doesn’t resolve all its plot threads flawlessly, it’s an impressive, grisly, and outstanding first film that effectively conveys its intended message.

Screen International

The movie ultimately shines more as an imaginative, visually striking reinterpretation of fairy tales rather than a deep examination of the strict boundaries of feminine attractiveness.

IndieWire

Although “The Ugly Stepsister” may not delve too far beyond Dr. Esthetique’s surgical knife, its boldly repulsive exterior could conceivably contain sufficient depth.

TheWrap

This creation guarantees that the movie deeply affects the audience, not only making an impression, but establishing a lasting presence, delving deep into the core of the narrative, leaving an indelible mark.

The Ugly Stepsister will release on Shudder at a later date.

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2025-01-27 19:19