Cinderella

As The Fabulous Godmother (Billy Porter) whispers tales of a village where every individual has a vital role to play, the unsuspecting residents are on the cusp of a transformative journey. Against this backdrop of everyday life, the villagers harmonize with a rousing rendition of "Rhythm Nation", their collective energy infectious as they go about their daily routines.

Meanwhile, Vivian (Idina Menzel), a widow struggling to come to terms with her recent loss, navigates the complexities of single parenthood alongside her daughters Malvolia and Narissa (Maddie Baillio and Charlotte Spencer) and stepdaughter Cinderella (Camila Cabello). The latter, affectionately dubbed "Cinderella" due to her perpetual ash-covered attire, finds solace in her creative pursuits, serenading the household chores with a soulful performance of "You Gotta Be", accompanied by her trio of trusty mouse friends – James Corden, James Acaster, and Romesh Ranganathan.

As Vivian's longing for a better life becomes apparent through a stirring ballad, Cinderella's diligence in her domestic duties is met with disapproving criticism from her stepmother. Thomas (Rob Beckett), the village's vegetable merchant, makes his presence known, exhibiting a clear interest in the daughters. This development sparks Vivian's optimism that one of her girls has finally caught someone's eye – an expectation Cinderella firmly rejects.

In a moment of respite, Cinderella retreats to her basement workshop, where she pours her heart and soul into designing and sewing exquisite gowns. Her impassioned performance of "Million to One" serves as a declaration of intent, detailing her aspirations for greatness and the desire to leave a lasting legacy. As she sings, she rescues a caterpillar from a spider's clutches, carefully placing it in a makeshift sanctuary. This tiny act of kindness foreshadows her dreams of opening her own dress shop, where she can bring her creations to life.

In a separate narrative thread, Prince Robert (Nicholas Galitzine) finds himself embroiled in a meeting with a princess, who pitches him on their marriage as a means to unite their nations. Despite her lack of genuine interest in the prince's affections, he is hesitant to settle down and commit. As The Town Crier (Doc Brown) disseminates important announcements throughout the village, Cinderella completes her latest masterpiece.

When the entire family prepares to venture into town, Cinderella proudly displays her handiwork – only to be rebuked by Vivian for indulging in "business matters" and instructed to leave the dress behind. As tensions simmer beneath the surface, the stage is set for a series of events that will forever alter the course of their lives.

King Rowan's ire is inflamed as his son Robert stubbornly rejects an advantageous marriage proposal that would have expanded their territories, much to Queen Beatrice's relief and approval of her son's autonomy. Meanwhile, Prince Rowan threatens to disinherit Robert if he doesn't conform to the arranged marriage, and instead bequeath the palace and crown to his sister Gwen (Tallulah Grieve), whose innovative ideas for kingdom improvement are consistently overlooked by her father. King Rowan demands that Robert select a bride at a grand ball, with the prospect of choosing from among the kingdom's eligible women hanging precariously in the balance.

As the royal announcements reverberate throughout the land, Robert takes to song, his soulful rendition of "Somebody to Love" accompanied by a nearby choir. The performances serve as a clarion call to the citizens, heralding the forthcoming ball and the opportunity for Robert to choose his own path. However, King Rowan's ire is piqued when Cinderella (uncredited) is spotted watching from atop a statue of him, prompting a scolding that humiliates Vivian. Amidst this backdrop, Robert finds himself smitten with Cinderella, whose wit and charm have won her the admiration of both him and Gwen.

As tensions mount, Robert makes an unconventional decision: he will only participate in the ball if every woman in the kingdom, regardless of social standing or wealth, is invited to attend. This bold move sparks a heated exchange between King Rowan and Gwen, who notes that her father has consistently excluded her from his counsel. Undeterred, Robert dons commoner's attire in an attempt to locate Cinderella, while she secretly slips away to peddle her dresses at the market.

However, Cinderella's entrepreneurial endeavors are met with disdain by a noblewoman, who accuses her of stealing the dress from the household where she serves. Further ridicule ensues when she is mocked for trying to run a business. As Robert navigates his own path, he finds solace in his growing connection with Cinderella, whose resilience and optimism have captured his heart.

As Robert watches, the unlikely duo commences a conversation revolving around Cinderella's fervent aspiration to establish her own shop. Seizing the opportunity, Robert purchases the dress from her, which holds sentimental value in the form of her mother's broach, for a tripled price that leaves her stunned. Meanwhile, the Town Crier announces the royal ball, where the prince will select his bride, and Cinderella, unaware of Robert's true identity, ridicules the notion to him. She claims to have no interest in attending, but Robert persuades her that the event will attract a diverse crowd of open-minded individuals from across the globe who would be eager to acquire her designs. Her resolve falters, and she ultimately decides to take the plunge.

Back at home, Cinderella struggles to create a new gown, accompanied by a soft rendition of "Am I Wrong" as she hums along. Simultaneously, Robert, Gwen, Vivian, Beatrice, and their entourage are getting ready for the ball, each member harmonizing with different lyrics. As Cinderella finally completes her masterpiece, Thomas arrives at the house to confer with Vivian. When Cinderella descends the stairs, Vivian breaks the news that she's been promised to Thomas and that he intends to marry her. Cinderella protests, pleading the opportunity to showcase her hard work, but Vivian's cruelty knows no bounds as she defaces the dress with ink, rendering it unsalvageable.

Cinderella's tears fall in sync with a reprise of "A Million to One" as she laments her misfortune. A butterfly, which had emerged from its cocoon earlier, flutters into view, glowing softly before transforming into the enigmatic Fabulous Godmother. With a warm smile, he reveals that Cinderella has earned his gratitude and that he's prepared to aid her in attending the ball. The magical being commences singing "Shining Star" as he transmutes one of Cinderella's designs into a breathtaking reality. He assures her that no one will recognize her while she wears it – except for the prince, who possesses a special intuition. As a parting gift, the Fabulous Godmother bestows upon Cinderella glass slippers and joins her in song. With the magic set to expire at midnight, they depart together for the ball, accompanied by an entourage of transformed mice, now serving as footmen, and a box that has morphed into a carriage.

As the evening wears on at the grand ball, Robert's arrival sets off a frenzy of feminine fanfare, with every woman in attendance belting out "Whatta Man" in a bid to capture his attention. Undeterred by the onslaught, Robert and his friends retaliate with a rousing performance of "Seven Nation Army", seamlessly merging the two tracks into an unforgettable mashup. Amidst the chaos, Cinderella makes her entrance, only to be befriended by Vivian, who remains blissfully unaware of her royal connection. Later, Queen Tatiana takes a shine to Cinderella's dressmaking skills and proposes a partnership, setting the stage for their next meeting the very next day - an event that leaves Cinderella positively beside herself.

As Robert catches sight of his mysterious admirer once more, Cinderella is struck by a profound realization: her prince is none other than the charming Robert. Despite her initial reservations, she agrees to stay and allows him to introduce her to his sister Gwen, who just so happens to be wearing the very same gown that Robert purchased for Cinderella herself. A slow dance and soulful rendition of "Perfect" follow, as the pair's emotional connection deepens.

In a private setting, Robert opens up to Cinderella about the pressures of royal life, confessing that he's never truly been asked how he feels or what he wants. His desire to marry Cinderella, however, is tempered by his concern for her dreams and aspirations. When Cinderella expresses her commitment to her craft, Robert acknowledges the societal expectations that would dictate she must abandon her artistic pursuits - a prospect that fills her with trepidation.

As midnight draws near, Cinderella begins to make her escape, but not before Robert pours out his heart in song once more, culminating in a passionate kiss. As the clock strikes twelve and Cinderella's dress begins to unravel, she makes a break for it, leaving Robert to intervene and foil Rowan's attempts to announce her as the new queen.

When a palace staffer tries to intercept her, Cinderella retaliates by launching one of her shoes at him - an impish act that sends her fleeing into the night, as the magic that has sustained her begins to fade. Rowan's ire is piqued in response, and Robert is left to explain that his chosen love didn't return his affections. Beatrice attempts to soothe the situation, but Rowan's dismissive attitude only serves to further enrage her.

In the aftermath, Robert is informed of an arranged marriage to a princess at the week's end - a development that leaves him feeling powerless and defeated. As he departs, Rowan's cruel decree is met with Beatrice's seething anger, her words a testament to the enduring power of maternal love in the face of patriarchal tyranny.

As Cinderella's inner turmoil simmers, she confides in her trusty mouse companions about her conflicted feelings towards Prince Henry (Robert). Despite her deep affection for him, she recognizes that accepting his proposal would mean sacrificing her artistic aspirations - a compromise she's unwilling to make. Vivian, ever the astute observer, drops by Cinderella's humble abode and discovers the young woman hiding the glass slipper. With a mixture of sadness and wisdom, Vivian reveals to Cinderella that Prince Henry is set to marry another, and in a surprising turn, confesses her own past disappointments as a talented pianist whose creative expression was stifled by societal expectations.

Vivian's words strike a chord with Cinderella, who begins to grasp the harsh realities of her circumstances. However, just as Vivian is about to impart further wisdom, a mischievous mouse accidentally knocks over the shoe, exposing Cinderella's nocturnal escapade. Vivian's eyes light up with excitement and she urges Cinderella to return to Prince Henry, assuring her that their entire family will be content in the arrangement. But Cinderella remains resolute, choosing to prioritize her artistic dreams above all else. Vivian's response is a mixture of disappointment and anger, as she reveals her plan to take Cinderella away from Thomas (her own son) and sing a poignant melody about the futility of chasing one's dreams, with the only viable option being marriage.

Meanwhile, Rowan (the king) attempts to mend his fractured relationship with Beatrice by acknowledging the changes he's undergone since ascending to the throne. Beatrice, however, feels stifled by her newfound silence and reminds Rowan of their once-passionate love. In a surprising display of empathy, Rowan advises Robert to follow his heart and marry the woman he loves, or walk away - leaving the ultimate decision in his hands.

As news spreads throughout the land that Prince Henry will be searching for the mystery woman from the ball, Robert embarks on a quest to find her, driven by an insatiable desire to reunite with his true love.

As Cinderella's fate is sealed in Thomas's rustic carriage, she makes a daring escape, bolting out of the vehicle to ensure a timely rendezvous with Tatiana. Her haste leads her to collide with Robert on horseback, and as they exchange words, he reveals that her influence has instilled within him the courage to forge his own path. He confesses that he doesn't desire the throne, and by choosing him, Cinderella would ultimately be choosing them both. With a tender kiss, she seals their shared intention, and Robert obligingly offers her a ride on his steed, racing against time to reach Tatiana before the scheduled meeting. Meanwhile, Rowan attempts to make amends with Beatrice through a soulful (albeit tone-deaf) serenade outside her window, an old habit rekindled from their youthful days.

As Cinderella secures the job with Tatiana's blessing, she and Robert present themselves to the royal family, announcing their decision to set out on a global journey and postpone nuptials – a revelation that directly impacts succession plans. However, Rowan offers his support, assuring Gwen that her place as first in line for the throne remains unshaken. With this news publicly disclosed by Gwen, Beatrice seizes the opportunity to express dissent with the king, sparking a lively exchange before launching into an impassioned rendition of "Let's Get Loud." The kingdom soon joins in, and the grand finale unfolds amidst laughter and jubilation.

In the midst of this revelry, Cinderella takes a moment to reconnect with Vivian, gently urging her to break free from constraints and forge her own path. As Vivian's powerful voice harmonizes with Cinderella's, their bond strengthens, and they finally find common ground. The kingdom celebrates late into the night, with the Fabulous Godmother proclaiming that all lived happily ever after.