Netflix's 'Steps' Offers a Disappointing Take on Cinderella

Netflix's latest animated musical fantasy, "Steps," attempts to breathe new life into the timeless Cinderella story, but ultimately delivers a convoluted and uninspired adaptation. Despite boasting an impressive lineup of vocal talent, the film struggles with a muddled narrative and a lack of genuine emotional resonance, failing to captivate audiences beyond a very young demographic. The movie, aiming for a fresh perspective, reinterprets familiar fairy tale elements but often comes across as forced and overly busy, diminishing the potential impact of its star-studded cast.

Netflix's 'Steps' Reimagines Cinderella with Mixed Results

Released on Friday, November 20, Netflix's animated feature "Steps" stars a distinguished voice cast including Amanda Seyfried, Ali Wong, Stephanie Hsu, Nikki Glaser, Daniel Radcliffe, Young Mazino, Peter Dinklage, and Bette Midler. Directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, with a screenplay by multiple writers, the film presents a revisionist take on the classic Cinderella fairy tale. The story centers on Cinderella's stepsisters, Lilith (Ali Wong) and Margot (Stephanie Hsu), portraying them not as villains but as misunderstood characters. Lilith seeks to correct the historical portrayal of her family, while the innocent Margot loves everyone, including frogs.

The narrative unfolds as Lilith and Margot move to the kingdom of Alouette with their mother, Li Mei (Gwendoline Yeo), after she marries Edmund (Matt Lowe), Cinderella's father. Despite forming an initial friendship with Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried), the stepsisters, clad in traditional cheongsams, immediately feel like outsiders in the kingdom's French rococo-inspired, pink-hued environment. Their integration into this new world is further complicated at a tea party hosted by the arrogant Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), whose sinister butler Roderick (Peter Dinklage) is hyper-protective.

Priscilla, feeling threatened by Lilith's storytelling, traps Lilith and Margot in a storm drain. This incident creates a rift between Cinderella and her stepsisters, as Cinderella succumbs to peer pressure and sides with Priscilla, planting the seeds of betrayal. In this rendition, Cinderella isn't an abused maid but a compulsive cleaner who finds joy in tidying with the help of woodland creatures. When invitations to the Royal Ball are distributed, Lilith and Margot are excluded. However, witnessing Cinderella preparing for the ball with her Fairy Godmother (Bette Midler), Lilith devises a plan. She snatches the Fairy Godmother's wand, creates a Gothic-inspired carriage, and crashes the ball with Margot.

Disaster strikes when Priscilla seizes the wand, using its magic to convince the Prince (Daniel Radcliffe) that she is his true love. Roderick pursues Cinderella, Lilith, and Margot, with Margot accidentally transforming into a talking frog during the chaos. The sisters must then overcome their differences to restore the original fairy tale order and help Margot revert to human form. Their journey takes them through a forest, where they encounter Gef (Young Mazino), a kind-hearted troll exiled by his brother Craktor (Damian Priest).

Despite the talented voice cast, including Seyfried's clear vocals on Justin Trantor's original songs and Midler's comedic timing, the film struggles to make its characters truly captivating. The animation style, a blend of K-animation and Disney aesthetics, gives the characters round faces and large eyes, echoing a trend seen in other Netflix productions. However, the attempts to incorporate cross-cultural elements feel superficial, making the film's originality questionable and its appeal largely confined to younger audiences.

This reinterpretation of a classic story raises questions about the balance between innovation and tradition in children's entertainment. While modernizing fairy tales can introduce new themes and perspectives, it's crucial to maintain the magic and emotional core that make these stories enduring. "Steps" highlights the challenge of reinventing beloved narratives without losing their inherent charm, suggesting that sometimes, a fresh coat of paint isn't enough to hide a faltering foundation. The film ultimately serves as a reminder that even with a stellar cast and a unique premise, a strong, cohesive story is paramount to a truly enchanting experience.