Cruella: A Darkly Stylish Origin Story That Challenges the Disney Formula
Disney’s Cruella, released in May 2021, isn’t your typical live-action remake. The film, starring Emma Stone, boldly deviates from the family-friendly tone of recent Disney adaptations like Aladdin (2019) and Mulan (2020), presenting a “perverse internal game” between two powerhouse actresses: Emma Thompson and Emma Stone, as detailed in a review by Rita Ricucci.
From Estella to Cruella: A Transformation Fueled by Revenge
The narrative centers on Estella De Vil, a gifted but troubled young woman navigating a London steeped in the punk-rock energy of the early 1970s. Estella, portrayed as a “little girl with a thousand resources and talents,” struggles to channel her inherent intensity, leading to disruptive behavior in school. Her early life is marked by a search for belonging and a growing awareness of a darker side within herself. This internal conflict is visually represented by Cruella’s two-toned hair – black and white – symbolizing the coexistence of good and evil, with a clear preference for the latter.
Orphaned and alone, Estella finds kinship with streetwise delinquents Jasper (Joel Fry) and Horace (Paul Walter Hauser), forming a makeshift family. Their petty crimes provide a backdrop for Estella’s burgeoning fashion ambitions, ultimately leading her to the doorstep of the Baroness (Emma Thompson), a formidable figure in the London fashion scene. It is within the walls of the Baroness’s Maison that Estella’s transformation into Cruella truly begins, a process director Craig Gillespie emphasizes through sweeping shots set to the rhythm of 70s rock covers.
A Clash of Titans: The Baroness vs. Cruella
The dynamic between Estella and the Baroness is described as a “visual pace of a western, of a boxing match,” a tense power struggle fueled by ambition and resentment. The Baroness, obsessed with power and capable of ruthless acts, embodies a glittering facade concealing deep corruption, drawing comparisons to Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada (2006). Cruella, in turn, is driven by a vengeful spirit, pushing the boundaries of what audiences expect from a Disney villain.
The film doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of the character, even prompting viewers to question the morality of Cruella’s actions, with one critic noting the unsettling implication that her coat might be made from Dalmatian skins. However, Gillespie and Disney maintain a level of narrative control, ensuring the Dalmatian puppies remain safe and hinting at future generations.
Critical Reception and Box Office Success
Cruella garnered a largely positive response from critics, achieving a 75% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 413 reviews, with an average rating of 6.8/10. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 59 out of 100, based on 56 reviews. Scott Menzel of We Live Entertainment hailed it as “the biggest surprise of the summer,” praising Emma Stone’s performance and the film’s bold, anti-Disney aesthetic. Joel Meares, Editor-in-Chief of Rotten Tomatoes, admitted to being “so awesome” despite his initial disinterest in villain origin stories. However, Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post found the film “boring, transgressive and confusing,” while still acknowledging the strong performances and stunning costumes.
Financially, Cruella proved to be a success, grossing $86.103.234 in North America and $147.400.000 internationally, for a worldwide total of $233.503.234. In Italy, the film earned 2.3 million euros, opening to a strong €61.167 at the box office on its first day, second only to A Quiet Place II in the United States, which earned approximately $7.7 million.
A Sequel in the Works
The film’s success has paved the way for a sequel. In May 2021, both Emma Stone and Emma Thompson expressed interest in a follow-up film inspired by The Godfather – Part II, exploring both the past and future of the Cruella character. Disney officially announced the development of a sequel on June 4, 2021, with Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Dana McKenna expected to return.
Ultimately, Cruella is a “talented film” that explores the complex duality of its protagonist, blurring the lines between good and evil. The film’s sensational costumes, designed by Jenny Beavan, a multiple Oscar winner, further enhance the characters and their journeys, with one critic noting the aesthetic similarities to Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Favourite. The film leaves audiences pondering a surprising question: which of the two powerful women, the Baroness or Cruella, is the more compelling figure.
