We’ve eagerly awaited Cruella’s arrival on Disney+, and my high expectations were exceeded by the film. I think it may be the best movie focusing on a villain’s origin story (joining films like Joker, Maleficent, Venom, etc).
Cruella, as you may remember from your childhood, is the antagonist in 101 Dalmatians. Her motivations in that movie are simple: She wants to make a coat out of dog fur. How in the world was Disney going to make a redeemable character out of her?
They don’t. That’s the brilliance of it.
Yes, Cruella makes you root for the titular character, even sympathize with her. But she leans into her villainous side throughout the movie, especially in the second half. There is no confusing her for the full-grown villain she’ll become.
Meanwhile, the movie is stylized, stylish, and snappy. It’s The Devil Wears Prada meets Roald Dahl. It’s a movie about fashion, with heavy dose of friendship and a sprinkle of theft and revenge for good measure.
Remarkably, it’s barely a movie about dogs. Only 3 Dalmatians make an appearance–and all 3 are vicious–along with 2 scruffy pups to remind you that Cruella doesn’t dislike dogs. Just Dalmations.
I’m both bewildered and pleasantly surprised that this movie exists. It’s so far removed from 101 Dalmations, yet it also totally makes sense as a precursor to it. I genuinely want to know how the writer conceived of this with so little to work from.
I highly recommend Cruella. If you’ve seen it, what did you think?
Yes we watched Cruella and really enjoyed it. I loved the ending. Your description is spot on.
Have you seen Wicked? Story told from the perspective of the Wicked Witch of the West from Wizard of Oz. It is my absolute favorite.
Thanks for the recommendation, Mary! I haven’t seen Wicked, but it sounds like I should.