In a manner similar to Cinderella, this film tells the awkward yet humorous story of a barista appropriately named Cinder (Adam DiMarco). Unlike most of the male driven parody stories though, Cinder here is actually gay, even enjoying dressing up like a woman from time to time. But his stepmother does not approve of this behaviour. Why not? My only guess is she’s a homophobe.
Like all Cinderella stories, Cinder has to clean up the coffee shop while his stepmother and stepsisters go to an expensive masquerade ball hosted by Gavin Charming (Ryan McDonell), the supposed prince of the community. While Cinder has this burning desire to confess his feelings for this particular man, he won’t be going anywhere, despite having somewhat the look. That is changed when who should come to the rescue? None other than a fairy drag mother who completes the look.
Surely enough, Cinder manages to make it into the ball where exclusive guests can be found such as the twins and Mackenzie Gray. But can Cinder get the attention of Charming? And what if Charming isn’t into guys when the whole secret is sure to come out?
In my opinion, the Cinderella concept has been done, but not in a refreshed way such as this. And if there were any drag versions of Cinderella, they probably didn’t have an ending like this. I wouldn’t know, there weren’t any drag versions of Cinderella shorts that I watched during childhood.
Still, the plot came off as humorous, the characters were beyond the generic types, making it a little more interesting, and the scenery was authentic and perfectly arranged. An impressive story that stands up for the gay community, with a very magical style of filmmaking.
(Photo: Matt Walker, Aspect Photography)