VISUAL EFFECTS
The Ugly Stepsister
2025
The Ugly Stepsister is a bold reinterpretation of the classic Cinderella tale, directed by Emilie Blichfeldt. The film centers on Elvira, portrayed by Lea Myren, who is overshadowed by her stepsister Agnes, played by Thea Sofie Loch Næss. Determined to win the affection of Prince Julian, Elvira undergoes extreme measures to conform to the kingdom's beauty standards, leading to a darkly comedic and horror-infused narrative.
The film premiered as the opening film of the Midnight program at the Sundance Film Festival, and won Best Feature at Boston Underground Film Festival 2025.
Blichfeldt and her team put as much care into the wigs, costumes and gorgeous production design as they do the gross-out effects, which makes for a visually delicious, if frequently disgusting, package.
Variety, Peter Debruge
Rebel Unit worked meticulously to craft seamless and impactful VFX shots that supported the film’s darker elements, in particular Elvira’s drastic transformations, while complementing its unique blend of dark comedy and horror.
Director: Emilie Blichfeldt
DOP: Marcel Zyskind
Producer: Maria Ekerhovd