SXSW Standout Film Ugly Cry Is 2026’s The Substance – But Probably Better

The 2024 horror film, The Substance, has quickly become a favorite and is even being referenced in the upcoming Scary Movie 6. It perfectly illustrates the unrealistic and often disturbing beauty expectations in Hollywood. Now, another film is exploring similar themes, and it could potentially be even more impactful.

Emily Robinson’s debut feature film, Ugly Cry, premiered at the South by Southwest Film Festival to strong acclaim. Robinson not only directed the movie, but also wrote and stars in it, making her achievement even more remarkable. The film is a poignant and relevant story that explores the damaging and unrealistic beauty standards perpetuated by Hollywood and society.

Ugly Cry tells the story of Delaney, an actress who loses a coveted role because of her emotional crying. Determined to fix this and achieve her goals, she begins a risky pursuit of perfection. While the premise shares similarities with the film The Substance, Ugly Cry offers a fresh perspective. It doesn’t rely on shocking or surreal horror; instead, it’s a smart and engaging blend of realism, humor, and heartfelt emotion, creating a memorable experience that stays with you long after the movie ends.

Russ Milheim from TopMob interviewed Emily Robinson, the writer, director, and star of Ugly Cry. They discussed her first time directing, how the film relates to The Substance, how she used visual style to show her character’s emotional arc, and the level of body horror she aimed for.

Ugly Cry Leans More Into Realism Than ‘The Substance’

“Real-Life Is Already Horrific.”

TopMob: “What are your thoughts on that comparison and people being quick to make that connection [to The Substance]?

I think ‘The Substance’ is actually a pretty classic horror movie. It definitely leans into those familiar scary tropes and follows a more traditional formula. While it touches on similar themes as other films, its message feels a bit different. Both films explore ideas about getting older, among other things, but I don’t want to go too deep into my interpretation of ‘The Substance’ right now.

A key theme we really delved into was the importance of relationships – with family, friends, and the wider community. We examined how we often hold each other to impossible standards, which can be damaging, and how we sometimes undermine our own chances of building supportive connections. This often happens when we struggle with self-doubt and feel like we don’t measure up as artists or individuals.

TopMob: “I like that you brought up a horror, and this isn’t a horror movie, but I do feel like you dip your toes into it. It definitely does get into that same realm. There’s only so much you’re gonna be able to say, but what was it like balancing that, knowing that this isn’t a horror film, but you did want to touch that genre at least a little?”

Originally, the project seemed to fit into several categories – industry stories and more. But it also quickly became clear it could lean into body horror, which is a genre I already enjoy. I’d actually written a body horror novel previously that I’m currently adapting, so I was excited to explore that direction.

We decided to avoid overly graphic or fantastical horror because we felt it would lessen the impact of the real-life horrors already present in the story. We wanted to emphasize the weight of reality, so we focused more on psychological thrills and comedy with just a touch of body horror, rather than diving deep into extreme or unrealistic territory.

Conveying Delany’s Fall From Grace Through Style, Cinematography, and Acting

“We Really Wanted It to Start to Feel More and More Claustrophobic…”

TopMob: “I want to talk about how Delaney’s going through so much in this movie, and obviously, the concept is she’s falling from grace. She’s breaking down. It gets worse and worse. When you were approaching making the film, what were the changes in style, cinematography, and just acting choices, and how did those evolve and change as her character fell further and further?

Emily Robinson explained they aimed to create a growing sense of confinement, as the characters spend a significant amount of time in the apartment. They focused on gradually changing how the apartment felt to reflect the characters’ experiences.

We wanted to show her face becoming increasingly distorted, almost like looking at her through multiple screens or reflections. We also aimed to create a feeling of both intense claustrophobia and profound isolation.

The film’s color scheme changes noticeably throughout. It starts with relatively normal colors, becomes warmer, and then shifts to much cooler tones by the end. We tried to make these transitions smooth and not jarring for the viewer.

Ultimately, these choices created a really isolating, scary, and lonely atmosphere. We used these visual elements to help the audience experience Delaney’s wild and unpredictable adventure alongside her.

What’s Next for Emily Robinson?

From Body Horror to Rom-Coms, This Isn’t the Last You’ve Seen of Her.

TopMob: Last thing I want to ask is just, you know, what’s next for you? Like, what do you have lined up, and like, what are some genres that you really want to do next?

I’m currently working on several projects, including one that blends intense body horror with a love story. I’m a big fan of romantic comedies, especially the comforting ones from the early 2000s. I also enjoy dark, twisted humor. I’m drawn to stories that push boundaries and mix genres, like this one, allowing me to draw inspiration from different types of stories. I’m hoping to continue working within the thriller and body-horror space, but also explore other creative possibilities.

Ugly Cry does not currently have a release date.

2026-03-13 05:06