When mentioning the classic Disney villain 'Cruella De Vil,' the image of a cruel woman in a fur coat often comes to mind. But in 'Cruella,' the prequel to 101 Dalmatians, we see the origin story of this fashion-obsessed woman in a groundbreaking and thrilling way. Directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, the film takes us back to 1970s London to discover what shaped Estella into the legendary Cruella.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
The story begins with young Estella, a girl with a talent for fashion design but a fierce personality. She loses her mother at a young age and grows up on the streets of London with her two best friends, Jasper and Horace. The trio survives by petty theft and various scams until one day Estella meets the Baroness von Hellman, a renowned luxury designer who later hires her. But then dark secrets from the past begin to unfold, forcing Estella to embrace her alter ego, 'Cruella,' to reclaim what was taken from her and create chaos in the fashion world that no one will forget.
Acting and Characters
Emma Stone as Estella/Cruella is the heart of the film. She perfectly conveys tenderness, intelligence, and madness, especially in scenes where she fully transforms into Cruella—chilling and captivating at the same time. Emma Thompson as the Baroness is equally brilliant, portraying coldness, disdain, and power convincingly, making it easy to hate her character. The chemistry between the two Emmas is a highlight that keeps the film engaging.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Craig Gillespie, the talented director of 'I, Tonya,' creates a film full of style and color. Nicolas Karakatsanis' cinematography is beautiful, evoking 70s fashion magazines. The well-curated soundtrack (featuring artists like The Clash, Queen, David Bowie) perfectly drives the film's emotions, especially the scene where Cruella debuts to the tune of 'I Wanna Be Your Dog'—it makes you want to dance along.
Editorial Analysis
What sets 'Cruella' apart from typical villain origin stories is its balanced focus on characters. The film not only tells Cruella's backstory but also questions the definitions of 'villain' and 'hero' through the perspective of someone oppressed by society. Additionally, it subtly weaves in themes of class, gender, and freedom of expression. Although some parts may feel drawn out, overall it's a fun, stylish, and thought-provoking film.
Verdict
In conclusion, 'Cruella' is a fun, stylish film full of the charm of its lead actors. It's perfect for those who love fashion, music, and villain origin stories. Despite its occasionally lengthy runtime, it's worth watching, especially if you're a fan of Emma Stone or want to see a new perspective on Cruella.
Screenshots
👍 Pros
- +Emma Stone and Emma Thompson deliver outstanding performances with great chemistry
- +Stunning cinematography, colors, and soundtrack that capture the 70s atmosphere
- +A fresh take on a classic villain, making her sympathetic and understandable
👎 Cons
- −134-minute runtime may feel lengthy in some parts
- −Some plot points are predictable and have logical flaws
Top Cast
FAQ
Cruella was released in theaters and is available on Disney+ Hotstar (in Thailand) and for rent/purchase on platforms like Apple TV and Google Play.
No, as it's a prequel to 101 Dalmatians, but watching the original helps with connections and enjoyment.
Currently only one, but there are rumors of a sequel due to its box office success and positive reviews.
