EverAfter
Desire. Defy. Escape.
Overview
Danielle, a vibrant young woman is forced into servitude after the death of her father when she was a young girl. Danielle's stepmother Rodmilla is a heartless woman who forces Danielle to do the cooking and cleaning, while she tries to marry off the eldest of her two daughters to the prince. But Danielle's life takes a wonderful turn when, under the guise of a visiting royal, she meets the charming Prince Henry.
Backdrop
What makes this movie Worth Watching
Ever After arrived during a wave of fairytale reimaginings in the late 1990s, but distinguished itself by grounding the story in a more historically plausible setting and imbuing its Cinderella with agency and intellect. It challenged the traditional damsel-in-distress trope and emphasized the importance of kindness, intelligence, and standing up for oneself.
- Drew Barrymore's portrayal of Danielle is both strong and vulnerable, making her a relatable and inspiring Cinderella figure.
- The film presents a refreshing take on the classic fairytale, focusing on themes of social justice, intelligence, and inner beauty rather than passive waiting for rescue.
- The beautiful costumes, set design, and cinematography create a visually stunning and immersive experience.
- The inclusion of Leonardo da Vinci as a mentor figure adds intellectual depth and historical interest to the story.
Fun Facts
- The 'glass slipper' in the movie is actually made of Lucite, a type of acrylic resin, because glass slippers would be too fragile and uncomfortable to wear.
- The painting of the Mona Lisa that Da Vinci is working on in the film is a remarkably accurate replica.
- The original title of the movie was 'The True Story of Cinderella'.