‘Cruella’ — Review
Have you ever wondered how Cruella De Vil became the villain of your childhood? Well, your answer has arrived
Courtesy of Disney+
The Devil Wears Cruella
‘Cruella’ brings to life the origins of the villain we all know, Cruella De Vil. Focusing on the circumstances that lead to the blossoming of Cruella. This movie is an interesting take on the classic story as it’s viewed through a lens never seen before, Cruella’s point of view. Creating a darker past that is bound to boil over at some point.
Courtesy of Disney+
Background
‘Cruella’ takes place during the punk rock era of the ’70s, revolving around Estella Miller. Estella is an extraordinarily creative child with a knack for cruelty. This leads to her mother nicknaming her “Cruella”.
After suffering a tragedy, her life is turned upside down. Leading Estella down a different path towards an uncertain future. As Estella chases her dreams of becoming a fashion designer, she must balance her personality between Estella and Cruella.
“Being a genius is one thing. Raising a genius, however, does come with it’s challenges ”
Spoiler Free Review — Barry's Bites Rating = 8.45
First off, it has to be said that Emma Stone was excellently cast as Cruella. She perfectly effectuates the character in a fresh and exciting way. As Stone fully leans into the quirkiness and deviousness of Cruella, she reinvents the character in front of the audience's eyes. Essentially playing two roles, switching when the story deems necessary. Stone perfectly balances Estella (the good side) and Cruella (the bad side). It almost seems like the movie is two parts. In the first Stone plays Estella an aspiring fashion designer. Then in the second, she plays Cruella, a woman on a revenge mission.
“Cruellas Mom: What do you say to Cruella when she tries to get the better of you?
Cruella: Thank you for coming, but you may go now.”
Estella is both a thief as well as a fashion designer. She can be cruel but also sweet to those closest to her. This combination creates a really interesting dynamic as the movie unfolds. It makes for a zestful viewing experience as the audience has a front-row seat for the unveiling of Cruella De Vil.
Disney+/Courtesy Everett Collection
The cast is rounded out by Emma Thompson, playing the Baroness, and Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hause, playing the sidekicks Jasper and Horace Badun. They perfectly execute their roles as compliments to the plot. Joel Fry and Paul Walter House play the perfect sidekicks as well as friends to Estella / Cruella.
While Emma Thompson executes the Baroness’s brutality to a tee. Creating the perfect combination of a nightmare boss as well as the flamboyancy of a narcissistic fashion designer.
Another thrilling part of the movie is that it’s cast against the punk rock era of the 1970s. It adds a sense of an anti-Disney theme and acts as a perfect addition to the quirkiness of its main character. Not to mention the soundtrack is killer!
I think many of the downsides to the movie can be chalked up to it being a Disney movie. Meaning it’s made to be viewed by both children and adults. Therefore, the filmmakers were required to walk the line of darkness and uplifting. The just over 2 hours run time was necessary to flush out the story but any longer would’ve been too long.
Instead of going on and accidentally revealing any spoilers. You should watch it for yourself and find out the origins of the most famous villain of your childhood.
