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Disney’s Cruella (2021), directed by Craig Gillespie, is a daring and visually spectacular origin story for one of cinema’s most iconic villains, Cruella de Vil. Starring Emma Stone as the titular character, alongside Emma Thompson as the formidable Baroness von Hellman, this live-action prequel to 101 Dalmatians blends punk rock aesthetics, high fashion, and a gripping narrative. Released on May 28, 2021, and available in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access, Cruella has captivated audiences with its vibrant energy and standout performances. This 2000-word review explores the film’s plot, cast, direction, themes, and cultural impact, optimized for SEO to guide fans searching for insights into this bold Disney reimagining.

Introduction to Cruella: A Villain’s Origin Story Done Right

The Cruella Official Trailer, released in February 2021, set the stage for a film unlike any Disney live-action remake. With its punk rock soundtrack, 1970s London setting, and Emma Stone’s mischievous grin, the trailer promised a fresh take on Cruella de Vil, the fur-obsessed antagonist from 101 Dalmatians. Far from a simple retelling, Cruella dives into the psyche of Estella, a young woman whose ambition and trauma shape her transformation into the infamous villain.

The film, rated PG-13 with a runtime of 2 hours 14 minutes, blends dark comedy, drama, and heist elements, earning praise for its originality. Unlike Disney’s more family-friendly remakes like Aladdin or The Lion King, Cruella leans into a grittier, more mature tone, appealing to both longtime fans and new audiences. Let’s unpack why Cruella is a must-watch and how it redefines Disney’s villain legacy.

Plot Overview: From Estella to Cruella

Cruella begins with a young Estella (Tipper Seifert-Cleveland), a creative and rebellious girl born with distinctive black-and-white hair. After a tragic childhood event, she’s orphaned and lands in 1970s London, where she survives as a grifter alongside two young thieves, Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser). Estella dreams of becoming a fashion designer, and her talent catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson), a ruthless couture icon.

As Estella works under the Baroness, she discovers shocking secrets about her past, fueling her transformation into Cruella, a bold and anarchic persona. The film follows her rise in the fashion world, marked by audacious heists, extravagant runway shows, and a fierce rivalry with the Baroness. Drawing inspiration from The Devil Wears Prada and Ocean’s Eleven, Cruella balances high-stakes drama with playful capers, culminating in a satisfying, if slightly predictable, climax.

The narrative cleverly explores Cruella’s duality—Estella’s heart versus Cruella’s vengeance—while setting up her future as the Dalmatian-obsessed villain. The trailer’s tagline, “Brilliant. Bad. A little bit mad,” encapsulates this journey, hinting at the psychological depth beneath the film’s flashy surface.

Stellar Performances: Emma Stone and Emma Thompson Steal the Show

Emma Stone as Cruella/Estella

Emma Stone delivers a tour-de-force performance as Estella/Cruella, embodying both the vulnerable dreamer and the unhinged antihero. Known for La La Land and The Favourite, Stone brings charisma and nuance, making Cruella both sympathetic and deliciously wicked. Her transformation—complete with a Cockney accent, bold makeup, and punk-inspired outfits—is mesmerizing. Posts on X from 2021 praised Stone’s “electric” energy, with fans noting, “Emma Stone IS Cruella—she owns every scene.”

Stone’s chemistry with the supporting cast, particularly Fry and Hauser, grounds the film’s emotional core. Her ability to shift between Estella’s softness and Cruella’s ferocity makes the character’s arc compelling, even if the script occasionally leans on familiar villain tropes.

Emma Thompson as Baroness von Hellman

Emma Thompson is equally captivating as the Baroness, a cold, narcissistic fashion mogul who serves as Cruella’s mentor and nemesis. Thompson, a master of sharp-witted roles (Sense and Sensibility, Nanny McPhee), infuses the Baroness with icy elegance and menace. Her performance elevates the film, particularly in scenes where she and Stone trade barbed insults. The trailer’s glimpse of their rivalry, with the Baroness sneering, “You’re nothing,” sets up a dynamic that’s as thrilling as it is toxic.

Fans on X called Thompson “a legend,” with one post gushing, “Emma Thompson’s Baroness is the villain we didn’t know we needed.” Her presence adds gravitas, making the Baroness a worthy foil to Cruella’s chaotic energy.

Supporting Cast

Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser shine as Jasper and Horace, Cruella’s loyal partners-in-crime. Their comedic timing and heartfelt moments provide balance to the film’s darker tones. Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Anita, a journalist and Estella’s friend, and Mark Strong as the Baroness’s valet, John, add depth to the ensemble. Young Tipper Seifert-Cleveland also impresses as young Estella, setting the stage for Stone’s performance.

Craig Gillespie’s Direction: A Visual and Sonic Feast

Craig Gillespie, known for I, Tonya and Lars and the Real Girl, brings his signature blend of dark humor and stylish flair to Cruella. His direction transforms 1970s London into a vibrant, gritty playground, with smoky jazz clubs, punk rock dives, and opulent fashion houses. Cinematographer Nicolas Karakatsanis captures this world beautifully, using bold colors and dynamic camera work to mirror Cruella’s rebellious spirit.

The film’s soundtrack is a standout, featuring hits like The Rolling Stones’ “She’s a Rainbow,” Blondie’s “One Way or Another,” and Supertramp’s “Bloody Well Right.” The trailer’s use of Florence + The Machine’s “Call Me Cruella” sets the tone, blending modern and retro vibes. Gillespie’s music choices, paired with Jenny Beavan’s Oscar-worthy costume design, create a sensory experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.

Gillespie’s script, co-written by Dana Fox and Tony McNamara, balances humor, heart, and drama, though it occasionally stumbles with pacing in the second act. His ability to humanize Cruella without excusing her darker impulses is a testament to his storytelling skill. As Gillespie told Variety, “We wanted to show the messiness of her becoming Cruella—it’s not a straight line.”

Themes and Cultural Impact: Rebellion, Identity, and Fashion

Cruella explores themes of identity, ambition, and rebellion, making it resonate beyond its Disney roots. Estella’s transformation into Cruella reflects a struggle to reconcile her past with her aspirations, a universal conflict that appeals to younger audiences. The film also critiques class dynamics, with the Baroness representing untouchable privilege and Cruella embodying defiant outsider energy.

The fashion world setting, with its over-the-top gowns and punk-inspired looks, positions Cruella as a love letter to creativity. Costume designer Jenny Beavan, who won an Oscar for Mad Max: Fury Road, crafts iconic outfits, like Cruella’s garbage truck dress and flame-trailing gown, which became instant social media sensations. X posts from 2021 raved, “The costumes in Cruella are EVERYTHING.”

Culturally, Cruella taps into the trend of villain origin stories, following Maleficent and Joker. Its punk rock aesthetic and female-led narrative align with 2020s demands for diverse, complex characters. The film grossed over $233 million worldwide, per Box Office Mojo, proving its broad appeal. Its Disney+ release also made it accessible, sparking debates on X about streaming versus theatrical experiences.

Production and Marketing: Disney’s High-Stakes Gamble

Produced by Andrew Gunn, Marc Platt, and Kristin Burr, Cruella was a bold bet for Disney, with a reported $200 million budget. Filming took place in London in 2019, with set photos of Stone in punk attire fueling early buzz. Disney’s marketing leaned heavily on the film’s style, with the Official Trailer garnering millions of views for its bold visuals and Stone’s wicked laugh.

The dual release on Disney+ and in theaters, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, was a strategic move. Posters featuring Cruella’s black-and-white hair and red lipstick became iconic, while tie-in merchandise, from fashion lines to Funko Pops, capitalized on the film’s aesthetic. Disney’s push paid off, with Cruella earning critical acclaim (74% on Rotten Tomatoes) and fan love.

Strengths and Weaknesses: What Works and What Doesn’t

Strengths

• Performances: Stone and Thompson deliver magnetic, awards-worthy turns.
• Visuals and Costumes: The film’s punk aesthetic and Beavan’s designs are breathtaking.
• Soundtrack: The music enhances the 1970s vibe and Cruella’s rebellion.
• Originality: The film reimagines Cruella in a way that feels fresh yet true to her roots.

Weaknesses

• Pacing: The 2-hour-14-minute runtime drags in the middle, with some subplots feeling repetitive.
• Predictability: The plot’s twists, while entertaining, aren’t always surprising.
• Dalmatian Connection: The link to 101 Dalmatians feels forced at times, catering to franchise fans.

SEO Optimization: Why Cruella Resonates in 2025

For those searching Cruella movie review 2021, Emma Stone Disney film, or Cruella fashion inspiration, this film remains a cultural touchstone. Its availability on Disney+ ensures ongoing relevance, while its themes of rebellion and self-discovery resonate in 2025’s social climate. Keywords like Cruella Emma Thompson rivalry, Disney villain origin story, and Cruella costumes 1970s drive traffic, reflecting its enduring appeal.

The film’s influence on fashion and pop culture, from Halloween costumes to TikTok trends, keeps it in the spotlight. Its success also paved the way for a sequel, announced in 2021, with Stone set to return. Fans on X continue to celebrate Cruella, with recent posts calling it “a Disney classic that slays.”

Conclusion: A Devilishly Delightful Triumph

Cruella is a bold, stylish triumph that redefines Disney’s villain legacy. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson deliver powerhouse performances, while Craig Gillespie’s direction and Jenny Beavan’s costumes create a visual masterpiece. Though not without minor flaws, the film’s energy, themes, and punk rock spirit make it a standout in Disney’s live-action catalog.

Whether you’re drawn to its fashion, music, or complex characters, Cruella is a must-watch. Stream it on Disney+ or revisit it in theaters for a dose of brilliant, bad, and a little bit mad magic. For more on Cruella, visit Disney’s official site or join the conversation on X.

FAQs

When was Cruella released?
May 28, 2021, in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access.

Who stars in Cruella?
Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, and Mark Strong.

Is Cruella suitable for kids?
Its PG-13 rating suggests it’s best for teens and adults due to mature themes and mild violence.

Will there be a Cruella sequel?
Yes, Disney confirmed a sequel in 2021, with Emma Stone returning.