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
The Ugly Stepsister has garnered significant recognition on the festival circuit and awards season: it won Best Picture at the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival and Best Feature Film at the 58th Sitges Film Festival, and it earned wins at Norway’s Amanda Awards for Best Make-Up Design and Best Debut Performance (Lea Myren). The film also received several Amanda nominations (including Best Screenplay, Supporting Actor/Actress, Costume Design, and Visual Effects) and was nominated for the Panorama Audience Award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Most notably, it received a 98th Academy Awards nomination for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.
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