The story of Cinderella is usually defined in the films with glittery and gilded elements, but modern storytelling has changed the perspective to look at the fairytales, peeling the glamor off. The Ugly Stepsister is one such film that unpacks the darker side and a raw and provocative twist, shifting the spotlight to the so-called villain, uncovering the beauty standards and jealousy. 

For those wondering where to stream the dark beauty of the classic tale, this is your ultimate guide.

The darker, unsettling version of the glass slipper fairytale, The Ugly Stepsister, is now available to stream in the US on multiple platforms. No platform currently offers the film for free; all include it as part of a paid subscription bundle. 

  As for streaming subscription, the film is available on AMC+ in its basic plan of $6.99/month, while Hulu provides access to its full library, including The Ugly Step Sister, for its plan of $11.99/month. On Philo, the film is available on an on-demand basis that costs around $25/month, while Shudder has a complete horror, thriller, and dark genre of films catalogue, including The Ugly Step Sister, which charges $8.99/month.  

For those who do not want to take the subscriptions, rental options are available too on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Fandango At Home.

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Given the association with Cinderella, the movie started making rounds right off the bat. However, this time around it was not because its fairytale-like plot.

Directed and written by Emilie Blichfeldt, The Ugly Stepsister is a dark, body-horror reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, told from the perspective of the overlooked stepsister playing the protagonist. It is the exact opposite of the ordinary radiant princess in a fairy tale.

The story follows Elvira, a young woman living in the shadow of her beautiful stepsister. In a society obsessed with appearance and status, Elvira becomes increasingly desperate to compete for attention, love, and social mobility, especially when a royal ball promises the chance to marry into wealth. When beauty becomes currency, she subjects herself to extreme and grotesque measures to transform her looks, showcasing a disturbing exploration of vanity, jealousy, and the brutal cost of fitting into a fairytale ideal.

This version of the fairytale leans over to the psychological tension and physical horror as a result of childhood trauma. The film is captivating for its close-up, lingering shots of wounds, surgical alterations, and bodily deterioration that create an almost claustrophobic viewing experience. Unlike the royal ball, costumes, and courtship rituals, this film presents all the fantasy elements grotesquely. Adding a symbolic essence, the film views societal pressure as the monster rather than witches or curses.

Though dark, the film has a unique story and approach that makes it worth streaming over platforms, especially at the ease of home. 

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Will you be watching The Ugly Stepsister? Let us know in the comments.