"The Ugly Stepsister", Interview with Director Emilie Blichfeldt

At the 75th Berlinale, director Emilie Blichfeldt presents her daring debut feature, "The Ugly Stepsister", in the Panorama section. This twisted body horror adaptation of "Cinderella" shifts the focus to the infamous stepsister, exploring the Grimm fairy tale on a different side. The Inspiration Behind The Ugly Stepsister Blichfeldt shares that her personal struggles with body image and beauty standards led her to reimagine the stepsister’s story. “I suddenly saw her as someone who desperately wanted to fit in,” she explains. “I, too, have felt like an outsider, struggling to meet impossible beauty ideals.” Beauty, Feminism, and Internalized Expectations The film explores female identity, societal expectations, and inherited pressures surrounding beauty. “Women have historically been valued for their looks,” says Blichfeldt. “Even today, we internalize these expectations, making it difficult to break free from them. "The Ugly Stepsister" critiques how women are often pitted against each other, much like in fairy tales where only one can be the “perfect” woman. A Dark Fairy Tale with Stunning Visuals Creating a visually cohesive fairy-tale world was a major challenge. “There were costumes, dance sequences, prosthetics, and body horror effects—all in a limited timeframe,” recalls Blichfeldt. Lead actress Lea Myren delivered intense physical performances, adding depth to the film’s psychological horror elements. A Mother-Daughter Story at Its Core Beyond the Cinderella rivalry, the film also examines the complex relationship between mothers and daughters. “Beauty standards are passed down through generations,” Blichfeldt reflects. “Breaking free from these expectations is incredibly difficult but necessary.” The Future of Female Storytelling When asked about her wish for cinema’s future, Blichfeldt hopes audiences continue embracing bold, challenging films in theatres. “We need to create stories that demand to be seen on the big screen,” she says.