I doubt anyone would object if “Prince Julian” (Isac Calmroth) had a snack of herring, but from the very beginning he seems rather lackluster! It's unclear whether "Elvira" (Lea Myren), who is clearly infatuated with him, understood that when she underwent a significant transformation to reshape her appearance—addressing things like her weight and teeth—in an attempt to attract this royal’s attention, it was essentially a necessity given the looming threat of debt. This version of “Cinderella” is likely among the most disturbing you'll encounter, as it presents a rather explicit depiction of the young girl’s life, along with that of her stepsister, her mother, and a manipulative figure who seems to have no qualms about performing procedures like stitching eyelids or altering teeth—all without any pain relief. The story also diverges from conventional narratives by highlighting the pervasive greed at play. While "Elvira" is undoubtedly exploited, it's more a crass and unsophisticated form of avarice exhibited by her guardian than anything driven by malice. Does that matter? Not particularly, because ultimately it’s surprisingly hard to truly despise this family so determined to ascend the social ladder. It contains graphic scenes, some sexual content, and our prince even writes poetry—though not quite on par with Yeats. The production is remarkably well-made, rich in detail regarding the settings and costumes, and the overarching theme of appearances over genuine worth and societal/sexual expectations is abundantly clear. There are various routes to securing a place in that slipper, and some viewers may find certain elements unsettling. I found this dark, occasionally humorous and touching exploration of what people will do for love, desire, and money to be quite engaging.

Source on TMDB