The Ugly Stepsister

The ending of “The Ugly Stepsister” can be understood as a reflection of childhood innocence and the characters’ emotional journeys. After a series of surreal sequences, the protagonist, who had been starving herself to lose weight, takes an antidote to remove the tapeworm she ate to stay skinny. The act of puking out the worm symbolizes her desire to rid herself of her harmful obsession with appearance and find a more genuine sense of self. Throughout the film, she experiences fantasies of being with the prince, which are clearly just her imagination and not real, emphasizing her longing for acceptance and love.

As the story concludes, she and her sister ride off together, which is often interpreted as a return to their childlike innocence, now free from the pretenses and pressures they faced. The final scene often leaves viewers pondering the characters’ underlying familial tensions and personal struggles. Some fans notice a shot of a deceased figure, usually their father, suggesting that financial struggles are looming and that the family’s hardships might be more profound than they appeared. There is also a hint of emotional complexity surrounding their mother—her shame and distant behavior hint that her own past or secrets might be intertwined with the family’s difficulties. Ultimately, the ending underscores themes of innocence, healing, and the complex web of family relationships, leaving audiences with a poignant, open-ended sense of hope and unresolved emotion.**

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:03