Cruella is an American crime-comedy that was written by Dana Fox and 4 others, directed by Craig Gillespie, and released in 2021.
There is something more captivating and more inviting about films centred around female villains. The likes of dark and broody Maleficent, evil and diabolical Nurse Ratched, and dangerously insane Harley Quinn, have created their own niche in this vast industry. Cruella is not least in the increasingly growing line-up. Based on a novel, it has a 1961 Disney animation and three subsequent live-action adaptations, including the popular 1996's, 101 Dalmatians. This version of the adventure-comedy was highly acclaimed, and Glen Close was celebrated for her depiction of the role of wicked and diabolical Cruella De Vil.
The film, Cruella tells the story of how such a fiendish and eccentric person came to be. It would be such an injustice to reveal too much of the movie, especially as the trailer has already given much of it away. However, I will try to give as simple and as vague a summary as possible😊
Estella (Emma Stone) has always had a certain rebellious and cruel streak. There was the defiant side of her, which was termed “Cruella”, and the other side which tried, mostly unsuccessfully, to be “normal”. Orphaned at a young age, Estella decides to tuck her Cruella side away, and then meets equally orphaned Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser). They grow up together, living a life of petty thievery for ten years. Then one day, Estella lands her dream job working at a famous London fashion house as a fashion designer for the wealthy, renowned, haute couture, dictatorial and heartless Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson).
Working for the Baroness wasn’t easy, nonetheless, getting to do what she loved made it somewhat bearable, and Estella seemed happy. That is, until a certain discovery linked to her past was made which, not only changed everything, but woke “sleeping” Cruella up and brought her to the forefront. With the help of Jasper and Horace, Cruella plots and schemes, using her brilliance, talent, and skills, in a challenging attempt to upstage and go head to head with the Baroness. This is in her bid to get back what Cruella deemed, rightfully belonged to her and to ensure the Baroness got what Cruella deemed, she fully deserved.
Okay, it isn’t often I watch films that I can find no flaw with. That is not to say this film doesn’t have one, but I personally didn’t find any. Let’s go through the check list:
Brilliant and outstanding cast line-up – check!
Bringing two amazingly talented stars like Emma Thomspon and Emma Stone together was pure genius. The film also starred the sophisticated and versatile actor, Mark Strong as the valet/butler, John.
Engaging and exciting story/screenplay – check!
The storyline was simply awesome. It had creative twists and turns, a great dialogue and was as witty and funny as it was engaging.
Fittingly Beautiful and authentic costumes – check!
Really amazing costumes and designs that suitably portrayed the 70s punk-rock era. They were breath-taking.
Wonderful Picture/Cinematography – check!
Cinematic, fantastic quality, extremely captivating scenes. What more can I say?
Impressive compilation of soundtracks and a great score – check!
Arresting and mood inspiring. It was a beautiful range of genres that you either knew or just connected with. I found myself singing to a number of them.
Obviously, because of the lockdown, I hadn’t been to the cinema in a while. It was good to be back there and to kick it off with such a refreshing, very well written, very well directed, very well acted, and very well produced film. It was entertaining, captivating, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I most definitely recommend. Rating? 10 out of 10!
Currently available to watch on Disney + and at local cinemas near you.
Further Information
Story
Director
Cast
Emma Stone – as Estella / Cruella
Emma Thompson – as The Baroness von Hellman
Mark Strong – as John the Valet
Joel Fry – as Jasper
Paul Walter Hauser – as Horace
John McCrea – as Artie
Emily Beecham – as Catherine/Maid
Kayvan Novak – as Roger
Kirby Howell-Baptiste – as Anita Darling
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