Cruella

Set in the vibrant punk rock scene of 1970s London, "Cruella" follows the early life of Estella Miller, a fiercely creative and mischievous young woman with a talent for fashion. Orphaned and left to fend for herself, she falls in with a pair of young thieves, Jasper and Horace, and together they build a life on the streets. Estella's dream of becoming a renowned fashion designer seems within reach when she catches the eye of the legendary and terrifyingly chic Baroness von Hellman.

As Estella's talent blossoms under the Baroness's tutelage, their relationship ignites a series of events and shocking revelations that force Estella to confront her past and embrace a new, wicked persona: the raucous and revenge-bent Cruella. The film explores the journey of a brilliant but outcast girl transforming into one of cinema's most notorious and fashionable villains.

"Cruella" delves into the timeless debate of nature versus nurture, exploring how our innate predispositions are shaped by our experiences. It questions whether one is born wicked or becomes so through trauma and circumstance. The film suggests that embracing one's true, unconventional self, even the darker aspects, can be a form of empowerment and rebellion against a repressive society. It also serves as a cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of power and the consuming nature of revenge. Ultimately, the film posits that even those deemed 'bad' have a complex past that shapes their present, and that one's identity is a fluid and often conscious creation.

One alternative interpretation views the film not as a villain's origin story, but as a commentary on the fashion industry itself. The Baroness represents the old guard—classic, structured, and ruthless—while Cruella embodies the disruptive, avant-garde counter-culture that seeks to tear it down. Their battle can be seen as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of fashion, where new, rebellious ideas constantly challenge and ultimately replace the established order.

"Cruella" was released in 2021, a time when Disney was heavily invested in live-action remakes and origin stories of its classic animated films. However, it distinguished itself from films like "The Lion King" or "Beauty and the Beast" by taking a radical departure in tone and narrative, more akin to "Maleficent" but with a punk-rock, anti-hero edge reminiscent of "Joker" or "The Devil Wears Prada." Its premiere was one of the first major red-carpet events after the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, marking a tentative return for large-scale film promotion.

Critics praised the film for its audacious visual style, energetic direction, and particularly for the powerhouse performances of Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. The Oscar-winning costume design by Jenny Beavan received widespread acclaim, heavily influencing fashion and pop culture with its 70s punk aesthetic. However, the screenplay received some criticism for its length and for attempting to create a sympathetic backstory for a character known for wanting to skin puppies, a moral quandary the film never fully resolves.

The film's reception was generally positive from audiences, who embraced its unique style and the chemistry between the two leads. It sparked discussions about the trend of rehabilitating villains and whether every antagonist needs a tragic origin story. By positioning Cruella as an anti-hero fighting a greater evil, the film challenged audience perceptions of the classic character and generated debate about its connection to the 101 Dalmatians narrative it precedes.

Audience reception for "Cruella" was largely positive. Viewers frequently praised the film's stunning visual style, particularly the award-winning costume design and the energetic, punk-rock aesthetic of 1970s London. The performances of Emma Stone and Emma Thompson were a highlight for most, with many enjoying their dynamic and witty rivalry. The killer soundtrack was also a frequent point of praise, effectively capturing the era and mood of the film.

The main points of criticism revolved around the screenplay. Some viewers found the film's runtime of over two hours to be excessive and the plot, at times, disorganized. A significant point of contention was the film's premise of creating a sympathetic origin for a character whose defining trait in the source material is wanting to murder puppies for a fur coat. Many felt the film didn't—and couldn't—successfully bridge the gap between the anti-hero protagonist of this film and the irredeemable villain of "101 Dalmatians". Despite this, the overall verdict was that "Cruella" was a fun, stylish, and entertaining departure from typical Disney live-action remakes.