On February 18, see Norwegian director Emilie Blichfeldt’s sinister reimagining of the Cinderella story, The Ugly Stepsister, a nominee for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 98th Academy Awards!

Elvira (Lea Myren) is preparing to earn the prince’s affection, at any cost. But in a kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira must compete with the beautiful and enchanting Agnes (Thea Sofie Loch Næss) to become the belle of the ball. The Ugly Stepsister is a chilling, visually stunning exploration of beauty, worth, and the societal systems that shape women’s lives (Norway, 2025).

“A fascinating exploration of beauty standards, and the way in which women are repeatedly placed into competition with one another” (THN).

“Emilie Blichfeldt blends the more brutal folktale elements with phantasmatic longing” (Sight & Sound).