Trap for Cinderella

Modest films tend to make the most impact with an intensity and unpredictability that blockbusters can only dream of achieving, and this self-effacing British movie is no exception.

Exploding onto the screen (literally) the film begins in the South of France, at a mansion where a disastrous event has left Micky (Tuppence Middleton, Trance) with severe burns and a devastating case of amnesia.

The film follows Micky’s recovery and re-discovery of herself and her life before the accident.  Unfolding in quick succession is an uncomfortable recount of the trials and tribulations of Micky and the build up to the cause of the explosion: her self destructive habits, her passionate relationship with Jake (Aneurin Barnard), and the rekindled friendship with her childhood friend, Do (Alexandra Roach).

Without giving the plot away – for the twists and suspension are what really make this film – Trap for Cinderella is both intelligent and stimulating without being pretentious or juvenile.  Director Iain Softley (K-Pax) has reignited the original story by Sébastien Japrisot (first published in 1962) in a part character study (with copious nudity from Micky), part thriller cloaked in mystery, resentment, envy, and a severe identity crisis.

Sultry and sexy, Trap for Cinderella is a visual feast with all the makings of an indie movie filmed on desaturated 35mm which lends itself a retro, romantic feel.  The overall sense of the film with its flashbacks and soundtrack juxtaposes nicely with the thickening plot, allowing the cultivation of disbelief to manifest itself sufficiently in the audience: what is really going on?

Middleton is spot on with her charismatic character Micky, and Roach plays the polar opposite Do with ease – obsessive and submissive, oppressed and in search of release. Roach makes the transition from vulnerability to a potential threat with ease and the help of Micky’s aunt’s PA, Julia (Kerry Fox) who also holds a vendetta towards Micky and her aunt.

With the addition of a few well-known faces (Frances de la Tour, Harry Potter and Emilia Fox, The Pianist), Trap for Cinderella is a compelling watch, not worth missing this summer.

Jennifer Atkinson

Trap for Cinderella is released nationwide on 12^th July 2013.

Watch the trailer for Trap for Cinderella here: