🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Craig Gillespie
- Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
- Release year: 2021
- Runtime (length): 2h 14min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (278K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 74%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Orphaned fashion genius discovers her boss is evil, so she becomes even more extra in order to get revenge, also puppies show up somehow but not for coats… yet.
🍿 Cruella: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Estella’s Early Life
The film opens with Estella, a young girl with a striking black-and-white hairstyle. She’s creative and rebellious, often getting into trouble at school. Her mother, Catherine, recognizes her potential but also struggles to contain her wild nature. They move to London in hopes of a fresh start, but tragedy strikes.

The Baroness and the Fashion World
Ten years later, Estella lives as a grifter with Jasper and Horace, using her design skills for petty crimes. An opportunity arises when she gets a job at Liberty, a famous fashion store. Her talent catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a renowned and ruthless fashion icon. Estella becomes part of the Baroness’ inner circle, but soon uncovers a dark secret about her mother’s death.

The Rise of Cruella
Fueled by revenge and her own ambition, Estella embraces her darker side and transforms into Cruella. She begins to challenge the Baroness’s dominance in the fashion world, using daring stunts and spectacular designs to gain attention. Jasper and Horace are conflicted, but ultimately support her as Cruella’s fame rises, a battle of wits and fashion ensues between Cruella and the Baroness.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Estella/Cruella de Vil (Emma Stone): A clever and ambitious young grifter who transforms into the rebellious and revenge-seeking fashion icon, Cruella de Vil.
- The Baroness (Emma Thompson): A narcissistic and ruthless fashion legend who becomes Cruella’s rival and reveals a shocking connection to her past.
- Jasper (Joel Fry): One of Estella’s loyal best friends and partners in crime, providing support and helping with her schemes.
- Horace (Paul Walter Hauser): The other member of Estella’s found family, offering comic relief and assisting with their criminal endeavors.
- Artie (John McCrea): The owner of a vintage clothing store who becomes a confidant and collaborator in Cruella’s fashion rebellion.
- John the Valet (Mark Strong): The Baroness’s loyal and observant valet who harbors secrets and ultimately helps Estella discover her true identity.
- Anita Darling (Kirby Howell-Baptiste): Estella’s childhood friend who becomes a journalist and helps Cruella gain publicity, setting the stage for future events.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Cruella: “I am woman, hear me roar.” – Said defiantly as she embraces her Cruella persona and challenges the Baroness.
- Cruella: “I want to make trouble. You know, get in the way.” – Reveals her rebellious intentions and desire to disrupt the established order.
- The Baroness: “You can’t care about anyone else, everyone else is an obstacle.” – The Baroness explains her ruthlessly ambitious philosophy to Cruella.
- Cruella: “The thing is, I was born brilliant. Born bad. And a little bit mad.” – Cruella encapsulates her identity and embrace of her darker side.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $100,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $86,103,234
- Worldwide Gross: $233,503,234
💥 Cruella Reviews
Personal Review
I went into ‘Cruella’ expecting a lighthearted Disney flick, but I was blown away by how dark and edgy it was! Emma Stone’s performance is captivating, and the costumes are absolutely stunning. I loved the punk rock vibe and the surprising twists in the plot. The scene where Cruella unveils her garbage truck dress at the gala was iconic! This movie made me question everything I thought I knew about the character, and I can’t wait to see it again.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of fashion and design”
- “Viewers who appreciate villain origin stories”
- “Those who enjoy films set in the 1970s punk rock era”
- “Adults and older teens”
- “Fans of Emma Stone and Emma Thompson”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Violence”
- “Thematic elements related to death and revenge”
- “Suggestive content”
- “Brief alcohol consumption”
Professional Reviews
- IndieWire: “A stylish and wickedly entertaining origin story, ‘Cruella’ benefits from its stunning visuals and the magnetic performances of Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. The soundtrack is killer, and the fashion is to die for. A must-see for Disney fans.
- Empire: “‘Cruella’ is a visually arresting and surprisingly dark reimagining of a classic Disney villain. Emma Stone shines as the rebellious Estella, and the film’s punk rock aesthetic is a refreshing departure from the typical Disney fare. It’s a fun, stylish ride that’s worth taking.
Audience Reactions
The fashion is incredible; every outfit is a work of art.: Viewers are obsessed with the costume design, praising the creativity and attention to detail.
Emma Stone absolutely kills it as Cruella!: Emma Stone’s performance is a standout, with many calling it her best role yet.
Overall Consensus: ‘Cruella’ is a stylish, dark, and entertaining origin story that defies expectations. Emma Stone’s performance and the stunning visuals make it a must-see, although some find the plot a bit convoluted.
Awards
- Academy Award (Best Costume Design)- 2022
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Emma Stone’s Cruella wardrobe was extensive, featuring 47 different punk-inspired outfits.”
- “The movie’s soundtrack includes a mix of classic rock, punk, and original songs, reflecting the 1970s London music scene.”
- “The scene where Cruella interrupts the Baroness’s fashion show with a garbage truck dress was inspired by the work of the late British fashion designer Alexander McQueen.”
- “To prepare for their roles, Emma Stone and Emma Thompson studied the dynamic between historical fashion rivals.”
🖥️ How to Watch Cruella?
Cruella is available to stream on Disney+. You can also rent or purchase it on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, and Vudu. Check your local listings for television airings as well.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Cruella, you might like these similar films:
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006): Features a cutthroat fashion world and a young woman navigating a powerful, demanding boss.
- Joker (2019): Explores the origin story of a villain and their descent into madness.
- Ocean’s Eight (2018): A stylish heist film with a strong female lead and focus on elaborate planning and execution.
- Moulin Rouge! (2001): Visually extravagant with vibrant costumes and an energetic soundtrack; shares a similar rebellious, artistic spirit.
🛒 Cruella Related Products
- Cruella (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack): Experience the electrifying music of Cruella with the official soundtrack. Featuring iconic tracks from the 60s and 70s punk rock era, this soundtrack will transport you back to the rebellious world of Estella and Cruella. It features a brand new track made for the movie by Florence + the Machine.
- Funko Pop! Disney: Cruella – Cruella with Pongo: Add a touch of villainous charm to your collection with this Funko Pop! figure of Cruella with Pongo. This highly detailed figure captures Cruella’s iconic style and is a must-have for any Disney collector.
- Cruella: The Manga: Black, White, and Red: Experience the world of Cruella in this beautifully illustrated manga comic book. This manga delves deeper into the villainous fashionista. See Cruella as never before in this comic-inspired product.
- Cruella – Movie Poster (2021) 24×36: Decorate your space with this high-quality reproduction of the ‘Cruella’ movie poster. This 24×36 inch poster captures the film’s striking visuals and rebellious spirit, making it a perfect addition to any fan’s room.
🎧 Soundtrack
Cruella features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Call Me Cruella” – performed by Florence + The Machine
- “Bloody Well Right” – performed by Supertramp
- “I Wanna Be Your Dog” – performed by John McCrea
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
In this origin story, Cruella is portrayed as more of an anti-hero. While she engages in morally questionable behavior, her actions are often driven by revenge and a desire to overcome a difficult past. The film humanizes her, providing context for her future villainous actions.
Cruella has a darker tone and more mature themes than many Disney films. While it is rated PG-13, parents should be aware that it contains some violence, thematic elements, and suggestive content that may not be suitable for very young children.
Cruella’s black and white hair is due to a condition called poliosis. In the context of the film, it symbolizes her dual nature and the constant struggle between Estella and Cruella. It’s a visual representation of her internal conflict and unique identity.
🔥 Bonus Content
Everything Wrong With Cruella In 18 Minutes Or Less
Dive into this hilarious video that will make you laugh while pointing out all the little things you might have missed or found questionable in the movie. It’s a must-watch for fans of CinemaSins and those who enjoy a good critique with a dash of humor.
Cruella: Character Execution or Expansion?
Get ready for an in-depth character study! This video takes a closer look at Cruella’s motivations, development, and overall execution in the movie. It’s a great watch for those interested in film analysis and character interpretation.
CRUELLA (2021) vs 101 Dalmatians
Calling all fans of Cruella and 101 Dalmatians! Embark on a journey of comparison with this informative video that explores the similarities and differences between these two iconic takes on the villainous character. It’s a great way to delve deeper into the evolution of Cruella’s story on the big screen.
✨ Rate
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.