Cruella

Cruella is a dazzling, dark, and dangerously stylish tale released in 2021, which explores the twisted journey of legendary fictional fashion queen and Disney’s most iconic villainess, Cruella de Vil. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film sees the extraordinary mash-up of creativity and malevolence, cast against the backdrop of 1970s London amidst a burgeoning punk rock revolution.

The narrative primarily revolves around the vivacious character of Estella (Emma Stone), a fashion-obsessed orphan with a knack for trouble. After falling in with a pair of thieves who appreciate her unique legerdemain abilities, Estella embarks on a wild ride through London's seedy underbelly, eventually crossing paths with the haute couture world in a serendipitous—and life-changing—way.

Emma Stone convincingly brings Estella's transformation into Cruella to life with impressive verve and disturbance, delivering an unforgettable performance that is equally magnetic and complex. Set apart by her stark dual-toned hair and her signature black-and-white outfits, Cruella's emergence perfectly encapsulates the height of punk and rebellion in 70s London. Enhanced by the stunning costumes designed by two-time Oscar winner Jenny Beavan, Cruella is a living, breathing, and strutting ode to the anarchic fashion scene from half a century ago.

The movie also features an exceptional performance by another renowned Emma – award-winning actress Emma Thompson – who plays the haughty and intimidating fashion legend, Baroness von Hellman. As the employer-antagonist, Thompson's character embodies an ice-cold, sharply dressed fashion mogul at the peak of her industry. She molds the story arc with a devilish allure by placing obstructions on the rebellious Estella's path, ultimately fueling her dark transformation into the vengeful Cruella.

The dynamic between Stone's Cruella and Thompson's Baroness produces an unforgettable storyline filled with ambition, manipulation, and obsession over the sway of the fashion world. The two Emma’s are the heart of the film, eliciting pure movie delight with their electrifying performances.

Amid the twisted tale of dreams and betrayals, Cruella is equally anchored by its ensemble cast. Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser, as Cruella's partners in crime, Jasper and Horace, provide an element of compassion and comic relief to this darkly glamorous saga.

Cruella establishes its unique identity with audacious stylistic endeavors, assisted by production designer Fiona Crombie’s remarkable recreation of London in the 70s. Furthermore, the film leverages the punk scene’s eclectic soundtrack, which accompanies the bold visuals with legendary tracks from the aforementioned era.

Cruella’s exploration of the anti-heroine’s origin deviates from the standard Disney offerings. The film presents a delectable dive into morally complex waters, taking a well-known villainess from the realm of animation and grounding her in real-world ambitions and motivations. Often displaying provocative flamboyance over family-friendly conventions, the film toys with darker psychology without disturbing its quintessential Disney charm.

Cruella, in simple terms, is a high-fashion heist movie that brilliantly explores the origin of a character traditionally perceived as heinous. It's a fantastic and engaging experience, which expands the universe of the character we thought we knew, while packaging it all in a stylish and audacious cinematic spectacle.

While the film doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of its titular character, it's enclosed in an unshakably vibrant, stylish exuberance. Cruella, at its heart, is an audacious exploration of the human spirit, complete with dramatic transformations, high fashion, and simmering antagonisms—all merged together in a whirlwind journey that aligns villainy with artistry in unforgettable ways.