Trap for Cinderella

"Trap for Cinderella" is a British crime thriller film released in 2013 directed and adapted by Iain Softley from Sébastien Japrisot's novel, Les Emmurés. Macro-criminally glinting under a brooding British cinematic sky, the film shines and casts inklings of piercing suspense, beguiling mysteries, and psychological manipulation over the broad palette of neo-noir genre. With the stellar performances of Tuppence Middleton, Alexandra Roach, and Kerry Fox, the film sensationally unpacks the entangling relations and ensnaring dilemmas of passion, betrayal, and selfhood.

Tuppence Middleton puts a noteworthy performance as Micky, the film's challenging central character. A glamorous and rich young woman, Micky enjoys a luxurious life in London that would be the envy of many. The sudden death of Micky's beloved aunt bequeaths her a vast fortune and a sprawling mansion, which further fuels her flamboyant lifestyle. However, this inheritance also awakens dormant jealousies and ignites dangerous intrigue.

Thrown into the mix is her childhood friend Do, played by Alexandra Roach. Unlike Micky, Do navigates a life far less ostentatious. Her medium-wage bank job and modest apartment contrast sharply with Micky’s prosperous lifestyle. Yet, their bond of friendship remains strong until a catastrophic fire ravages Micky’s house in France, leaving Micky with severe burns, complete amnesia, and an impenetrable veil of mystery hung around the incident. The tragedy, coming as it does, brings up questions about who might be as much a victim as a villain in the narrative.

Kerry Fox embodies the role of Elinor, the austere and buttoned-up housekeeper of Micky's deceased aunt. Elinor brews whirlpools of secrecy and manipulates even the viewers with her dual identity of a guardian angel and the puppeteer in the shadow. Fox's portrayal of Elinor's mysterious motivations adds an even deeper level of trepidation and uncertainty to the storyline.

"Trap for Cinderella" dishes out intoxicating suspense and intrigue, where the burden of the past ensnares the present. The movie revolves around Micky's travail to recover her past and follow the breadcrumbs to unveil her true identity, remnant memories and flashes of the night of the fire. Once Micky starts retracing her steps and piecing together the shards of her life, a more sinister plot begins to unwind, displaying the true colors of her friendship with Do.

Screenwriter and director Softley skillfully plays on the theme of duality within friendship and selfhood. The ego and alter ego, friends and foes, victims and villains—all interlock and provide a murky reflection of the characters' reality. Softley also exposes the contrast in the choices lead characters make and their purposes, manifesting the sharply diverging lives of Micky and Do. Flashbacks do more than just reveal the past; they serve to unravel the twisted bonds of their friendship, and provide insight into the events leading up to the incident.

The film envelops the viewer with an alluringly decadent atmosphere brimming with hedonism and high life scenes, yet equally investing in starkly minimalist, intimate frames that reflect the inner schisms of the characters. Cinematographer Alex Barber's dreamlike sequences, aspirational and itinerant tracking shots, lingering close-ups, and stark use of colors create an unsettling atmosphere that leaves the audience perched on the edge of their seat.

"Trap for Cinderella" is an atmospheric drama that discusses the dichotomies of identity, morphing identities and latent psychosexual dimensions. The film's strength lies in its clever script, which, like a carefully constructed labyrinth, divulges its secrets only reluctantly, keeping its audience engrossed till the very end. The performances by Middleton, Roach, and Fox keep the viewers riveted, as they navigate the mystery of their intersecting lives.

To conclude, "Trap for Cinderella" is a brooding exploration of friendship, deception, and identity. It is a meticulously interwoven tale of suspense, boasting of a compelling plot, rich characters, and a dramatic climax. This movie is a must-see for those who relish psycho-thrillers and enjoy cerebral cinema.