# Netflix's Steps Reimagines Cinderella Through a Gothic Lens A family-friendly animated film exploring sisterhood, assimilation, and the misunderstood stepsister. - **Source:** [Mashable](https://brifing.si/source/3cd6d1d0-9c29-4750-8bc9-f2afefb52505) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [entertainment](https://brifing.si/c/entertainment) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4b1e9fbe-e871-4211-8fc2-4548f38671ef ## Subverting Classic Fairy Tales Netflix's new animated film, Steps, offers a fresh perspective on the traditional Cinderella narrative. By focusing on the perspective of the so-called evil stepsister, Lilith, the story moves away from standard princess tropes. It utilizes a familiar fairy tale framework while introducing modern themes of identity, sisterhood, and social assimilation. ## Gothic Protagonist and Aesthetic Voiced by Ali Wong, Lilith is portrayed as an accidental witch with a distinct gothic fashion sense. Unlike the traditional, compliant Cinderella, Lilith embraces black clothing, leather boots, and DIY haircuts. This aesthetic choice serves as a visual rebellion against the rigid, uniform beauty standards imposed by the kingdom's resident mean girl, Priscilla. ## The Dynamics of Privilege The film introduces a critical parable regarding privilege through the presence of a fairy godmother. While Cinderella benefits from magical intervention and a wealthy father, Lilith and her sister Margot face systemic exclusion. This dynamic highlights the disparity between those who fit societal norms and those who are marginalized for their differences. ## Conflict and Character Growth Lilith's jealousy toward Cinderella's seemingly perfect life sparks a rebellion that threatens the kingdom's stability. However, the narrative forces the two characters to collaborate when a rampaging Priscilla endangers everyone. Through this conflict, both women learn to move past their initial biases, discovering the value of self-acceptance and genuine mutual support. ## Diverse Creative Team The screenplay for Steps was crafted by a large ensemble of writers including Ava Tramer, Dana Schwartz, and Riki Lindhome. This collaborative effort ensures the film balances fairy-tale tropes with complex social commentary. The writing team successfully navigates difficult topics like alienation and peer pressure while maintaining a lighthearted, family-friendly tone throughout. ## Unexpected Comedic Elements Beyond the central drama, the film incorporates eccentric characters like a maniacal manservant played by Peter Dinklage. It also features a rowdy biker gang of trolls who ride goats like motorcycles. These whimsical additions provide a unique, weird charm that distinguishes the movie from standard Disney or DreamWorks animated feature films. ## Cultural Commentary on Assimilation The story explores the pressure to conform, particularly for the immigrant-coded seamstress family. Lilith is wordlessly urged to abandon her Eastern-influenced style to avoid alienation. The film suggests that the kingdom's hostility is driven more by a fear of Priscilla’s cruelty than by any genuine dislike of Lilith’s unique cultural background. ## Streaming Release Expectations Steps is scheduled to debut on Netflix on November 20. Given its blend of humor, heart, and visual flair, it is positioned to become a highly revisited title for subscribers. By celebrating both Cinderella and Lilith with compassion, the film offers a modern, inclusive take on a centuries-old story for new generations. ## Sources covering this story - https://mashable.com/entertainment/steps-netflix-review — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._