Cruella Story :-
Preceding Disney’s live-action rendition of ‘101 Dalmatians,’ ‘Cruella’ delves into the backstory of the iconic villain, Cruella De Vil (portrayed by Emma Stone). Following her journey from orphanhood on the gritty streets of London, a young Estella, aged 12, teams up with budding thieves Jasper (played by Joel Fry) and Horace (played by Paul Walter Hauser). A decade later, a chance encounter catapults her into the fashion world’s spotlight after she inadvertently creates a standout piece for a rising rock star, ultimately transforming into the formidable force known as Cruella De Vil.
Movie Ratings
| Release Date | 27 August 2021 |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 2h 14min |
| Cast | Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Emily Beecham, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Mark Strong, John_McCrea_, John McCrea |
| Director | Craig Gillespie |
| Cinematography | Nicolas Karakatsanis |
| Music | Nicholas Britell |
| Producer | Andrew Gunn, Andrew Gunn, Marc Platt, Marc Platt, Kristin Burr |
| Production | Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures |
| Certificate | 16+ |
Set against the backdrop of the 1970s, director Craig Gillespie skillfully captures the essence of the era in ‘Cruella,’ with two standout performances by actresses sharing the same first name. Both Emmas deliver stellar performances. Emma Thompson embodies the ruthless Disney villain, the Baroness, with icy precision, showcasing little mercy to her rivals. On the other hand, Emma Stone captivates as Estella/Cruella, presenting a punk-inspired rendition of the classic villain with flair and attitude. She effortlessly embodies the character’s sass and irreverence, making her portrayal a joy to watch.
The film’s narrative hinges on Stone’s compelling performance, dominating each scene and even surpassing the portrayal by Glenn Close in previous renditions. While the supporting cast, including Fry and Hauser as Jasper and Horace, respectively, provides comic relief, they are somewhat overshadowed by the two Emmas.
‘Cruella’ offers a darker take on the Disney universe, tackling themes such as body-shaming and the cutthroat nature of the fashion industry. The screenplay, crafted by Dana Fox, Tony McNamara, and Aline Brosh McKenna, effectively builds tension between the film’s leading ladies, revealing the ugly underbelly of the fashion world in the process.
The film’s standout feature is its imaginative costume design by Jenny Beavan, with each fashion piece reflecting Cruella’s unconventional and disruptive style. Complementing the film’s dark tone is its devilishly delightful score. Director Craig Gillespie, known for ‘I, Tonya,’ showcases his versatility with skillful direction across various genres, including thrilling action sequences and car chases set against the backdrop of bustling London streets.
No review of ‘Cruella’ would be complete without mentioning the adorable canine companions, a treat for dog lovers everywhere. Notably, Cruella’s loyal sidekick Wink, a brown chihuahua, and Buddy, a terrier, steal the spotlight with their endearing presence.
Drawing inspiration from characters reminiscent of ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and ‘Harley Quinn,’ ‘Cruella’ offers an entertaining origin story for Disney’s enigmatic supervillain, catering to both fans and newcomers alike.
