The Unforgettable Journey of Cruella De Vil in Disney’s Live Action Film ‘Cruella’

by Darlyn
Cruella poster

 

 

Welcome to the Disney live action “Cruella” movie page.

Haven’t Seen the Movie? Take a Look at the Cruella Official Trailer

Here’s one’s of the trailers for Cruella, the movie. Then you can watch the full length Cruella movie on Amazon Prime here or Disney+. 

>>> Grab your own Cruella T-shirt here!

Cruella’s Box Office Stats

The movie “Cruella” had grossed over $222 million worldwide. The film was released in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on May 28, 2021.

According to Box Office Mojo, “Cruella” opened with $26.5 million in North America and went on to gross $86.1 million domestically. The film’s international box office gross was $136.4 million.

Overall, “Cruella” was considered a financial success for Disney, especially considering the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the simultaneous release in theaters and on Disney+. Additionally, the movie’s box office performance has likely been bolstered by its positive critical reception and strong word-of-mouth from audiences.

Cruella Quick Plot Summary TL;DR

For those of you who don’t want to read a long ass page, here you go:

Meet Estella, a spunky and rebellious kid who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. She’s always getting in trouble at school for her crazy fashion experiments and loves to cause a ruckus.

After a tragic event, Estella is left homeless and alone on the streets of London. But she quickly finds two fellow misfits, Jasper and Horace, and they become the ultimate squad.

Fast forward to Estella’s adult years, and she’s still obsessed with fashion. She lands a job at a department store where she meets the snooty Baroness von Hellman, a big-time designer who takes Estella under her wing.

But hold up, things aren’t as perfect as they seem! Estella soon realizes that the Baroness is a nasty woman and may be responsible for the tragedy that left her alone on the streets and without a mother.

Seeking revenge, Estella creates an alter ego named Cruella, who’s all about the drama and causing chaos. Jasper and Horace are down to help her out, but they’re not quite sure what they’ve signed up for.

Things escalate quickly, and Cruella’s stunts become more and more outrageous. The Baroness starts to catch on and is determined to unmask Cruella’s true identity. Meanwhile, Jasper and Horace start to question Cruella’s motives and loyalty.

The story reaches its climax at a grand fashion show organized by the Baroness. Cruella unveils the truth about the Baroness’s past and the two engage in an epic showdown. It’s like Project Runway meets the WWE!

In the end, Cruella gets her revenge, but she also learns some valuable life lessons about herself and her past. She makes amends with Jasper and Horace and decides to follow her true passion as a fashion designer under her real name, Estella. The moral of the story? Always stay true to yourself, even if that means causing a little chaos along the way.

Spoiler Alert! Don’t Read This. It’s Got A Plot Twist!

So, get this – in a crazy twist at the end of the movie, we find out that the Baroness von Hellman is actually Estella’s birth mom! That’s right, the same Baroness who’s been a total meanie to our girl Estella this whole time. Apparently, the Baroness abandoned her own daughter as a baby because she didn’t want her! Talk about mommy issues, am I right?

This shocking revelation completely rocks Estella’s world and throws everything she thought she knew about herself and her past into question. It’s like she’s living in a bad episode of Jerry Springer. But instead of throwing chairs, she decides to get revenge on her dear old mom by unleashing her inner diva, Cruella, and causing all sorts of chaos. And let me tell you, it’s one heck of a fashion showdown between these two queens.

So, get ready for some serious drama, because things are about to get wild. Who knew a movie about a fashion designer could be so juicy?

>>> Get your own Funko Pop Disney Cruella here

Plot Summary

Have you seen “Cruella” yet? It’s an origin story about the infamous villain from “101 Dalmatians” and let me tell you, it’s not what you’d expect. I was actually prepared to be disappointed.

The movie is set in 1970s London and follows the life of a young girl named Estella, who has a passion for fashion and a bit of a rebellious streak that follows her into adulthood.

Estella’s childhood was pretty rough. Her mom died in a tragic accident, and she was left all alone in the world. She ends up befriending two young boys named Jasper and Horace, who become her lifelong devious partners in crime. They pull off all kinds of heists and cons together, but Estella’s ultimate goal is to make it big in the fashion industry.

So Estella lands a job as a cleaner at this high-end department store, and that’s when things start to get really interesting. She’s got this insane talent for design, and it doesn’t take long for the Baroness von Hellman (played by Emma Thompson) to notice. The Baroness is this ice-cold and ruthless fashion designer who rules the industry with an iron fist. And she takes Estella under her wing, but their relationship quickly turns toxic as Estella realizes that the Baroness is not who she seems.

As Estella delves deeper into the world of fashion and discovers her own darker side, she begins to transform into the flamboyant and cunning Cruella (whether you love or hate her), and the two alpha women engage in a bitter, intense war. The fashion, the music, the drama, everything is just on point. Cruella dons wild outfits and outrageous hairstyles, wreaking havoc on the fashion scene and making a name for herself as a true rebel. And Emma Stone and Emma Thompson deliver some of the most entertaining performances I’ve ever seen.

But the movie also explores some pretty deep themes like identity, ambition, and family. It shows how your upbringing and environment can shape your personality and influence your choices. It also highlights the importance of finding your true self and standing up for what you believe in, even in the face of adversity.

Overall, “Cruella” was a fun movie to watch with stunning visuals and a killer soundtrack. Emma Stone shines as Estella/Cruella, bringing depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. And Emma Thompson is equally fantastic as the conniving Baroness. So, grab some popcorn and settle in for a wild ride with “Cruella”.

Cruella: The Good

    • Emma Stone and Emma Thompson are so good in their roles, you might find yourself rooting for both of them to win. It’s like watching two lionesses fight over a piece of meat, but you’re not sure which one you want to win. Personally, I was rooting for Cruella. Would she be considered an anti-hero?
    • The costumes in this movie are so over-the-top and flamboyant, you might feel like you’ve been transported to a drag queen’s closet. And honestly, who wouldn’t want that?
    • The soundtrack is basically a greatest hits of 70s punk rock. It’s like the movie is daring you not to bob your head and tap your foot along with it.
    • The film manages to be both fun and dark, like a black comedy that’s been dipped in glitter. It’s like if Tim Burton and Lady Gaga had a lovechild.

My Favorite Scene/Character Costume

Cruella: The Bad

    • This movie is so long, you might feel like you’re aging faster than the characters on screen. By the time it’s over, you’ll need a walker and a pair of reading glasses.
    • This movie is not for the faint of heart. There are some violent scenes that might make you cover your eyes and wonder why you didn’t just watch “101 Dalmatians” instead.
    • The movie can’t seem to decide whether it wants to be a gritty drama or a campy comedy. It’s like watching a magician who keeps switching between pulling rabbits out of a hat and sawing someone in half. Just pick one, Cruella!
    • Some fans of the original “101 Dalmatians” might feel like this movie is a cash grab that tarnishes the legacy of the original. It’s like if someone made a prequel to “The Lion King” that revealed that Simba was actually a vegan. Why would you do that?

Cruella Behind The Scenes & Blooper Reel

Parents, Should Your Kids Watch Cruella?

Reasons why it might be safe:

    • The movie is rated PG-13, so it’s generally suitable for older children and teenagers.
    • The film has a lot of positive messages about self-expression, creativity, and following your dreams.
    • The costumes and makeup are stunning and visually appealing, which can be exciting for children who are interested in fashion.
    • The film features a lot of great music from the 60s and 70s, which can be a fun and educational experience for children to learn about different musical eras.
    • The movie has a diverse and talented cast, which can be a great example of representation for children.

Reasons why it might not be safe:

    • The movie has a lot of dark themes, such as death, betrayal, and revenge. Some scenes might be too intense or violent for younger viewers.
    • The film’s protagonist is an antihero who uses questionable methods to achieve her goals. This might not be the best role model for children.
    • The movie contains a lot of adult language and themes, which might be inappropriate for younger viewers.
    • There are a lot of scenes with smoking and drinking, which might not be suitable for all families.
    • The film has a lot of scenes that take place in nightclubs and other adult venues, which might not be appropriate for all children.

Overall, Cruella is a visually stunning and well-acted movie that can be a fun experience for older children and teenagers. However, due to its darker themes and occasional adult content, parents should use their best judgment when deciding whether or not to let their children watch the movie.

Positive Reviews

    • The Hollywood Reporter described the film as a “rollicking, stylish and surprisingly dark origin story” that “breathes new life” into the villainous character.
    • USA Today called “Cruella” a “wildly entertaining ride” that’s “fun, clever and surprisingly stylish,” praising Emma Stone’s “compelling and nuanced” performance.
    • Rolling Stone gave the film four out of five stars, calling it “surprisingly edgy and full of bite” with “plenty of plot twists and wicked humor to keep things moving.”

Negative Reviews

    • The Guardian criticized the film as “overblown and unnecessary,” arguing that it “lacks the charm and innocent menace of the original” and that “it’s hard to care about the characters’ motivations.”
    • Variety described “Cruella” as “overstuffed and underwhelming,” criticizing its “contrived plot” and arguing that “the movie seems more interested in its costumes than its characters.”
    • The New York Times called the film “soulless” and “bloated,” arguing that it “takes an overlong and underwhelming journey to a destination everyone already knows.”

Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie “Cruella” a 74% approval rating based on 307 reviews. The site’s review suggests that while the movie might not entirely justify the need for an origin story for Cruella De Vil, the film still manages to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals and engaging performances, particularly from the two leading actresses, Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. The review suggests that the movie is an entertaining watch and that the conflict between the two women is a highlight of the film.

>> Grab a “Walk Like You Mean It” Cruella Tee here

Cruella Movie Trivia

    • Emma Stone had to wear prosthetic nose and cheeks to transform into the character of Cruella.
    • The film was set in the 1970s punk rock scene in London, and the costume design team had to create over 40 different outfits for Cruella alone.
    • “Cruella” was originally slated to be released in December 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • The film’s director, Craig Gillespie, previously directed the critically acclaimed film “I, Tonya.”
    • The soundtrack for the movie features a mix of 70s punk rock and pop hits from the era.
    • The movie was shot on location in London and at various locations throughout England.
    • “Cruella” was released simultaneously in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access in May 2021.
    • The film features several dogs playing the role of Cruella’s trusty companion, Wink.

Cruella Quotes

    • “From the very beginning, I realized I saw the world differently than everyone else. That didn’t sit well with some people, but I wasn’t for everyone.” – Estella/Cruella (Emma Stone)
    • “Darling, the only difference between a visionary and a delusional is success.” – The Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson)
    • “They say I’m a psycho. They’re probably right.” – Cruella (Emma Stone)
    • “I know you’re trying to be something you’re not. You’re not a killer, you’re a fashion designer.” – Jasper (Joel Fry)
    • “I’d like to remind you all that I’m doing this in heels.” – Cruella (Emma Stone)
    • “All my life, people have underestimated me. And this is why I’m a success.” – The Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson)
    • “The thing is, I was born brilliant. Born bad, and a little bit mad.” – Cruella (Emma Stone)
    • “I’m not sweet Estella, try not to get it twisted.” – Cruella (Emma Stone)
    • “You don’t have to be cruel to be clever.” – Jasper (Joel Fry)
    • “Creativity is a cruel mistress.” – The Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson)

Final Thoughts on Cruella

“Cruella” is a wickedly delightful film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It’s a visually stunning and stylish movie that takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the world of high fashion and revenge. From Emma Stone’s captivating performance as the titular character to Emma Thompson’s deliciously evil portrayal of the Baroness, the film is filled with standout moments and memorable lines.

But “Cruella” isn’t just a feast for the eyes and ears – it’s also a movie that explores themes of identity, creativity, and the lengths we’ll go to in pursuit of our dreams. Whether you’re a fan of Disney’s classic villainess or just love a good origin story, this movie is a must-see.

So if you haven’t watched “Cruella” yet, grab some popcorn and settle in for a wild ride. And remember, in the words of our favorite fashion rebel: “Don’t worry, there’s lots more bad things coming.”

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