My favorite film from this year's Overlook Film Festival was easily The Ugly Stepsister, from writer / director Emilie Blichfeldt, which not only delivers some incredible practical body horror, but also a powerful message on body image. Having just opened today in theaters from IFC and Shudder, I had the opportunity to catch up with Emilie Blichfeldt to discuss horror inspirations, casting the perfect Elvira, creating those practical effects on set, and more:

The Ugly Stepsister has been delighting and grossing out audiences during its festival run. What are some of your filmmaking influences that shaped your approach to The Ugly Stepsister?

Emilie Blichfeldt: I didn't start watching movies until I was 13 because I grew up in Northern Norway, where there are no people and no Blockbuster. My parents didn't believe in movies. They believed in books, so I was 13 when me and my siblings begged to get a VHS player...