Review of Cruella (2021)

Cruella (2021), directed by Craig Gillespie, is a bold and stylish reimagining of one of Disney’s most iconic villains. Centered around the origins of Cruella de Vil, this live-action prequel blends fashion, rebellion, and dark humor to craft a fresh take on the infamous character. With dazzling performances, striking visuals, and a killer soundtrack, Cruella stands out as a compelling and subversive addition to Disney’s catalog of live-action adaptations.

Plot Overview

Set in 1970s London, Cruella follows the journey of Estella (Emma Stone), a young and ambitious designer with a flair for the dramatic. Born with a streak of rebelliousness and a passion for fashion, Estella dreams of making a name for herself in the competitive fashion industry. However, her path takes a darker turn when she crosses paths with the Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson), a ruthless and egotistical fashion mogul.

As Estella discovers the shocking truth about her past, she begins to embrace her alter ego, Cruella, channeling her anger and ambition into a fierce campaign for revenge. What unfolds is a visually stunning tale of rivalry, self-discovery, and the birth of a villain.

Themes and Characterization

1. Identity and Transformation

At its core, Cruella is a story about identity. Estella’s evolution into Cruella is both a personal and symbolic journey, reflecting the duality of her nature. While Estella is kind-hearted and driven, Cruella represents her darker impulses and desire to break free from societal expectations. The film explores the idea that embracing one’s true self—even the flawed parts—can be both liberating and destructive.

2. Power and Ambition

The rivalry between Estella and the Baroness serves as a commentary on ambition and the lengths one might go to achieve power. Both women are fiercely talented and unapologetically ambitious, but their approaches differ. While the Baroness represents the old guard of ruthless exploitation, Cruella’s rise is fueled by creativity and rebellion, embodying the spirit of punk rock.

3. Nature vs. Nurture

The film also delves into the nature versus nurture debate, questioning whether Cruella’s villainous tendencies are a result of her circumstances or an intrinsic part of her identity. This thematic complexity adds depth to her character, making her more than just a caricatured antagonist.

Performances

Emma Stone delivers a powerhouse performance as Estella/Cruella, seamlessly balancing vulnerability, wit, and menace. Her portrayal brings nuance and humanity to the character, making her transformation into Cruella both believable and compelling. Stone’s charisma and energy anchor the film, ensuring that even Cruella’s darkest moments remain captivating.

Emma Thompson is equally mesmerizing as the Baroness, a character dripping with arrogance and malice. Thompson’s performance is delightfully over-the-top, adding a layer of campy villainy that complements Stone’s more grounded approach. Together, the two lead actresses create a dynamic and riveting rivalry that drives the narrative.

The supporting cast, including Joel Fry as Jasper, Paul Walter Hauser as Horace, and Mark Strong as John, provides humor and heart, grounding the story in moments of camaraderie and levity. Jasper and Horace, in particular, are given more depth and personality than in previous adaptations, making them endearing accomplices to Cruella’s schemes.

Visuals and Costume Design

One of Cruella’s most dazzling aspects is its visual style. The film’s production design vividly captures the gritty glamour of 1970s London, blending punk rock aesthetics with high-fashion opulence. The juxtaposition of urban chaos and couture elegance mirrors Cruella’s own duality, enhancing the film’s themes.

The costume design by Jenny Beavan is nothing short of spectacular, earning the film an Academy Award for Best Costume Design. From Cruella’s bold and avant-garde creations to the Baroness’s sophisticated ensembles, the costumes play a pivotal role in storytelling, reflecting the characters’ personalities and evolution. Standout moments, such as Cruella’s fiery entrance at the Baroness’s gala, showcase the film’s flair for theatricality and innovation.

Soundtrack and Music

The soundtrack of Cruella is a love letter to the 1970s, featuring an eclectic mix of punk rock and classic hits that perfectly complement the film’s rebellious tone. Tracks from artists like The Rolling Stones, Blondie, and Queen inject energy into key scenes, elevating the film’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Nicholas Britell’s original score adds an additional layer of drama and intensity, blending seamlessly with the curated soundtrack.

Criticisms

While Cruella excels in style and performance, its narrative is occasionally uneven. The film’s runtime feels slightly overextended, and some plot points—such as Cruella’s motivations and certain twists—may come across as contrived or overly convenient. Additionally, the film’s attempt to make Cruella a sympathetic anti-hero can feel at odds with her established role as a villain, creating tonal inconsistencies.

However, these shortcomings are outweighed by the film’s strengths, particularly its bold artistic vision and strong character work.

Legacy and Impact

Cruella stands as a daring reinvention of a classic Disney character, challenging traditional notions of good and evil. By giving Cruella a layered backstory and positioning her as an anti-hero, the film aligns with a broader trend of reimagining villains in contemporary storytelling. Its emphasis on creativity, individuality, and rebellion resonates with modern audiences, particularly younger viewers seeking representation of non-conformity and self-expression.

The film’s success has sparked discussions about the future of live-action adaptations, proving that fresh perspectives and innovative approaches can breathe new life into familiar stories.

Conclusion

Cruella is a visually stunning and fiercely entertaining film that redefines one of Disney’s most infamous villains. With stellar performances, breathtaking costume design, and a rebellious spirit, it offers a bold and stylish take on Cruella de Vil’s origins. While not without its flaws, the film’s strengths make it a memorable and impactful addition to Disney’s live-action repertoire.

Whether you’re a fan of fashion, music, or character-driven storytelling, Cruella is a film that demands to be seen. It’s a celebration of creativity, individuality, and the complexities of identity, making it a standout entry in the Disney canon.