The film is a retelling of the Cinderella fairy tale, set in Renaissance-era France. It follows Danielle de Barbarac (played by Drew Barrymore), a spirited and intelligent young woman who lives with her cruel stepmother, Baroness Rodmilla de Ghent (played by Anjelica Huston), and her two stepsisters, Marguerite (played by Megan Dodds) and Jacqueline (played by Melanie Lynskey).
Despite her difficult circumstances, Danielle remains resilient and compassionate, finding solace in her friendship with the castle servant, Gustave (played by Patrick Godfrey), and her love of books and learning.
One day, Danielle encounters Prince Henry (played by Dougray Scott) while attempting to retrieve her stolen horse. The prince is immediately captivated by Danielle’s beauty and intelligence, but she conceals her true identity, fearing judgment because of her lower social status.
As Danielle and Prince Henry grow closer, they form a deep connection based on mutual respect and admiration. However, their romance is complicated by the societal expectations and political pressures that surround them, including the prince’s arranged marriage to the Spanish princess.
Meanwhile, Baroness Rodmilla schemes to marry off Marguerite to Prince Henry in order to improve their family’s social standing and wealth. She manipulates events to sabotage Danielle’s chances with the prince, leading to misunderstandings and heartache.
In a climactic sequence, Danielle attends the royal ball disguised as a noblewoman, hoping to reveal her true identity to Prince Henry and win his heart. With the help of Gustave and other allies, she overcomes obstacles and confronts the baroness, who is ultimately exposed for her treachery.
In the end, Danielle’s courage and integrity prevail, and she finds happiness with Prince Henry, who chooses her as his true love and equal partner. Their love story becomes the stuff of legend, inspiring future generations with its message of love, forgiveness, and the power of inner strength.
“Ever After” is praised for its feminist reimagining of the classic Cinderella tale, with Danielle portrayed as a strong and independent heroine who takes control of her own destiny. Drew Barrymore delivers a memorable performance as Danielle, bringing depth and warmth to the character. With its lush cinematography, enchanting romance, and timeless themes, “Ever After” remains a beloved classic in the romance genre.