Tapeworms, Beauty & Body Horror: The Makeup and Prosthetics of ‘The Ugly Stepsister’ [Interview]

The modern Cinderella story has been told for over three centuries, and yet its subject matter remains both entertaining and enlightening. There are plenty of films — especially in the horror genre — that push the Cinderella narrative to dark, harrowing places. That being said, 2025’s The Ugly Stepsister, the debut feature film of Norwegian filmmaker Emilie Blichfeldt, is a startling salve that shatters any preconceived notions. The film’s bold body horror works in tandem with the ornate artistry of a period piece drama to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

The Ugly Stepsister made waves in Norway and on Shudder, but it’s also broken through to the big leagues with an…