A sinister, twisted twist on the classic Brothers Grimm Cinderella story, THE UGLY STEPSISTER follows Elvira as she battles to compete with her insanely beautiful and enchanting stepsister Agnes in an attempt to earn Prince Julian’s affection – at any cost. In a fairy-tale kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira will go to any lengths to win, and conform to the kingdom’s ideals of beauty. THE UGLY STEPSISTER is the gory tale of the blood and sweat, grit and gold that goes into making Elvira the belle of the ball.

“‘Cinderella’ meets Cronenberg… Emilie Blichfeldt knows the exact point of queasiness to which she can push an audience and gradually tests how much further she can move that mark with each successive scene.” (Slant Magazine)

“Blends the more brutal folktale elements with phantasmatic longing to create a version of Cinderella where beauty is pain for some women, but life is pain for all of them.” (Sight & Sound)

“[Director] Blichfeldt is able to pointedly and scarily address her of-the-moment themes without breaking the finely crafted period spell her movie casts.” (Rue Morgue Magazine)

“The Ugly Stepsister … the work of a bold, fearless filmmaker willing to explore the darkest, grimmest, and goriest aspects of physical beauty, what it means, how it’s for, and how it’s weaponized against women.” (ScreenAnarchy)

Thursday, April 24
Doors 9:10 pm | Movie 9:30 pm *Start time subject to change.  Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

Monday, April 28
Doors 8:15 pm | Movie 8:45 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Tickets HERE

THE UGLY STEPSISTER “Den stygge stesøsteren” (Emilie Blichfeldt, 2025 / 105 / NR / Norwegian w/EST) Elvira dreams of the weak-kneed virgin, Prince Julian, and is willing to go to great lengths to conform to the kingdom’s ideals of beauty. A surprising and raw twist on the fairy tale `Cinderella’, seen from her stepsister’s point of view.

*Must be 18+ for entry. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Rio Theatre Groupons and passes OK for any single film only. Please redeem at the door.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. All seating is General Admission; please arrive 20-30 minutes prior to showtime to ensure great seats, and time for treats at concession.
*If you are looking to redeem either a Rio Theatre gift certificate or Groupon to any regular Rio Theatre screening: You can either email us in advance <[email protected]> and give us a “heads up,” or do it at the box office prior to showtime.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No refunds or exchanges.