The Prince's Lack of Agency: In many versions, the Prince is portrayed as somewhat passive. He falls in love with Cinderella based on a single dance and her appearance, not her personality or character. He doesn't actively seek her out, relying on the glass slipper to find her. This can be seen as anticlimactic, especially when compared to more modern takes where the Prince plays a more active role in searching for Cinderella.
The Focus on Appearance: The entire plot hinges on Cinderella's transformation through a magical gown and glass slippers. While this is a classic fairytale element, some critics argue that the focus on external beauty and superficiality can feel anticlimactic, especially when compared to the potential for a deeper, more meaningful relationship between Cinderella and the Prince.
The Absence of Consequences: Cinderella's transformation is temporary. The story ends with her happily ever after, but there's no real exploration of the consequences of her deception or how she will navigate her new life. This can be seen as an anticlimactic resolution, leaving the reader wondering how the story will truly play out.
The Magic Ending: The reliance on magical elements like the fairy godmother and the glass slipper can be viewed as an anticlimactic way to resolve the conflict. It removes the tension of Cinderella needing to earn her happiness, making the ending feel less satisfying and more like a convenient solution.
Ultimately, whether or not you perceive an anticlimax in Cinderella depends on your interpretation of the story and its themes. Some might find the fairytale ending satisfying, while others might find it lacking in depth and realism.