Synopsis:
“Cruella,” which is set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, follows a young grifter named Estella, a clever and creative girl determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute, played by two-time Oscar® winner Emma Thompson (“Howards End,” “Sense & Sensibility”). But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.
One of the hardest and bravest things to do in life is to be completely authentic. We learn at a very young age that if you’re too different from the majority, you get teased, bullied, and are eventually labeled an outcast and a troublemaker. We’re told to think critically and outside the box but the moment those thoughts are too unusual or challenge social normative behavior, it’s a problem. It should go without saying that clearly if your thoughts involve hate or harm, then yes, you are vehemently wrong. But a person wanting to dress differently or have the autonomy to be who they truly are shouldn’t be radical ideas. What’s funny is that oftentimes the same thing that put you on the most hated list can later get you labeled as a genius or innovator, life is weird like that. I realized a while ago that most people are simply afraid to be themselves in fear of judgment or that they may get the treatment that they may have served others in the past. But for those pushing boundaries, shaking things up, and being one hundred percent themselves, keep doing you because you will be appreciated later.
“From an early age, I realized I saw the world differently than everyone else.”
Disney goes punk rock in Craig Gillespie’s fashion-infused crime comedy Cruella. This “started from the bottom, now we’re here” story is far from your average house of mouse heartwarmer. Having had my reservations before viewing, by the end of the film, it became a new Disney favorite. Sorry Glenn Close, but the Cruella crown now belongs to Emma Stone. Taking place during a time when a woman in charge had to be as ruthless, if not more so, compared to their male counterparts, this is a story of duality, juxtaposition, revenge, and the dawning of a new era. Anchored by a tremendous cast, Cruella not only reignites childhood nostalgia but delivers an origin story that is entertaining from beginning to end. Not to mention, it now has one of my favorite sabotage schemes of all time. Filled with fantastic music, creative fashion, plenty of mischief, and a dog named Wink, I find it hard not to be dazzled by this film. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention how good the production and costume design are.
With the titular character being the embodiment of duality all the way to her hair, the internal struggle choosing between Estella or Cruella blurs the line between good and bad making for a more complex story. I think the biggest takeaway from this origin story is not just knowing how she became the Dalmatian-fur obsessed manic that we know, but the way she got to that point is more nuanced than we could’ve thought. Moreover, we also get to see how all of the characters we know from 101 Dalmatians fall into place. The film is a tad long which isn’t a problem for me but it may be for some. And some moments may feel over-the-top but with it taking place in the world of fashion, your bound to have some inflated egos and personalities. Furthermore, you have to remember what this is based on, so suspended disbelief in some cases and have fun. Also, even with this being based on a villain, there are a few positive takeaways about friendship, confidence, and self-worth. With some nice twists and moments that remind me of The Fresh Prince of Belair, Leverage and V for Vendetta, Cruella is a blast. Its rewatchabilty is high. Oh, and there is a mid-credit scene.
Plot & Pace
When a young rebellious Estella loses her mother in a tragic accident that she witnessed with her own eyes. Not only does that make her an orphan but she blames herself for the entire thing. Making her way to London, she befriends two boys, Jasper and Horace who share her new station in life and her defiant outlook on life. Having to resort to petty thievery to get by, the trio becomes prolific grifters as they get older. With their two pick-pocket pooches and Estella’s affinity for fashion, they are able to plot, scheme, and scam anyone. When Jasper realizes that Estella’s talents are being wasted, he uses his talents to get her a job at a prestigious boutique. Her eye for fashion eventually catches the attention of the Baroness von Hellman, a feared and revered fashion mogul. Once under the wing of the Baroness, Estella begins to realize that their paths may have crossed before. It eventually leads to Estella embracing the side of her that her mother wanted her to expel, Cruella. What was a hunger to learn is now revenge and her eagerness for her work to be seen is now a plan to overthrow.
As far as the pacing goes, there’s not really anything that will take you out of the story. Due to great editing, there are truly only a few moments that are slow.
Characters & Chemistry
In this clash of Emma versus Emma, the winner is us. The award-winning actresses put on a show, you decide which Emma reigned supreme. Honestly, I believe it was Stone (Estella/Cruella) as she masterfully played two people in one but one could argue Thompson’s performance as the Baroness out-villained the future villain. However, the flashes of the Cruella de Vil that we know we’re so good. That being said, Estella/Cruella would be nothing without her literal partners in crime, Jasper (Joel Fry), Horace (Paul Walter Hauser), and the dogs, Wink and Buddy. Both Fry and Hauser complimented Stone very well. Together, they brought heart and humor. The kids will love Wink, he definitely is a scene-stealer.
Cruella will release simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access for a one-time additional fee on
Friday, May 28, 2021. Stay safe and enjoy.
Director: Craig Gillespie
Writers: Dana Fox and Tony McNamara, Aline Brosh McKenna, Kelly Marcel & Steve Zissis, based upon the novel “The One Hundred and One Dalmations” by Dodie Smith
Producers: Andrew Gunn, Marc Platt, Kristin Burr, p.g.a.
Executive Producers: Emma Stone, Michelle Wright, Jared LeBoff, Glenn Close
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 2h 16m
Rating: 4 out of 5
Senior Critic. Observing the human race since 1988.
