Let me tell you about a film that’s quietly breaking molds in the world of animation. Netflix’s upcoming ‘Steps’ isn’t just another fairy tale retelling—it’s a bold experiment in redefining who gets to be the hero. And at the heart of it all is Kris Bowers, the Grammy-nominated composer whose work on this project feels like a masterclass in emotional storytelling. Personally, I think this is one of those rare moments where the music and the narrative are so intertwined they almost become one entity. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Bowers is approaching the score not just as background noise, but as a character in its own right.
Netflix Animation Studios is taking a gamble by producing this entirely in-house. That’s a big deal in an industry still dominated by traditional studios. But here’s what really caught my attention: the film’s premise. Instead of focusing on the usual suspects (Cinderella, the prince), it centers on Lilith, the stepsister who’s been written off as the villain. This isn’t just a twist—it’s a rebellion against the tired trope of binary good vs. evil. In my opinion, this is where the film’s true power lies. It’s asking us to reconsider who we label as ‘outsiders’ and why we do it. What many people don’t realize is that this story is deeply personal for director Alyce Tzue, who grew up feeling like an outsider herself. That raw authenticity seeps into every frame, and I can’t help but wonder how many viewers will see themselves in Lilith’s journey.
Now, let’s talk about Bowers. The guy has this uncanny ability to translate emotion into sound. He’s not just composing music—he’s building bridges between the audience and the characters. One thing that immediately stands out is his philosophy: he wants listeners to remember the entire film just by hearing the score. That’s ambitious, but also incredibly human. We all have those moments where a song transports us back to a specific memory. What this really suggests is that Bowers is tapping into something primal, something that connects us across time and space. I’m curious to see if this approach will redefine how we experience animated films moving forward.
The cast is another layer worth unpacking. Ali Wong as Lilith? That’s a masterstroke. Her comedic timing and emotional range could turn this character into an icon. And don’t even get me started on Peter Dinklage’s role as Roderick. It’s not just about casting A-list actors—it’s about giving them roles that challenge their usual personas. This raises a deeper question: why do we still treat animated films as lesser than live-action? ‘Steps’ might just be the catalyst that changes that perception.
But here’s the kicker: the film’s message about kindness changing everything. Tzue’s confession about growing up feeling like she didn’t belong adds a layer of vulnerability that’s rare in Hollywood. What I find especially interesting is how this theme plays out in the story. Lilith’s journey isn’t just about redemption—it’s about realizing that everyone has a story worth telling. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a radical idea in an era where we’re constantly told to fit into predefined molds. The fact that Netflix is backing this project says volumes about where the streaming giant is headed. Are they just chasing trends, or are they genuinely trying to reshape the landscape of animated storytelling?
And let’s not forget the technical side. Recording the score at Abbey Road Studios—a place steeped in musical history—adds a certain gravitas to the project. It’s a reminder that even in the digital age, there’s something irreplaceable about the physicality of music creation. I can’t help but speculate that this choice was deliberate, a way to anchor the film’s emotional core in tangible, real-world craftsmanship. What this really suggests is that the team behind ‘Steps’ is thinking beyond the screen, considering every detail that contributes to the audience’s experience.
In the end, ‘Steps’ isn’t just about reimagining a fairy tale. It’s about reimagining who gets to be the hero in our own lives. As someone who’s spent years analyzing media, I’m struck by how rarely we see stories that challenge the status quo. This film has the potential to be a turning point—not just for Netflix, but for the entire animation industry. The question is, will audiences be ready to embrace a story that doesn’t just entertain, but transforms?
