The wicked Disney villain is back on the big screen, this time showing us where it all began; from troubled youth to career criminal, but always looking fabulous.
Just what we needed, an origin story about the wicked dog snatcher/fashion mogul who haunted our childhoods (well, mine at least) all those years ago. This over-the-top Disney adaptation is colourful, eccentric, even slapstick at times, it ticks all the boxes for a story about the eponymous character and her wrongdoings. Emma Stone plays the titular character in her adult years, trying to live up to that wonderful Glenn Close performance over 20 years ago – something that she does expertly, making the character her own. This is an origin story though, so there is also newcomer Tipper Seifert-Cleveland portraying the young Cruella (well, Estella is her name back then) as we see her getting into trouble so effortlessly which eventually leads to the trauma that sets the wheels in motion for her life of crime. It is fun, extravagant, and completely fabulous – it even has a bit of a dark side as well – but the CGI dogs detract some of the magic away, which is sad for dog lovers everywhere.
This crime comedy caper has a real punky vibe to it; set in 70s London and accompanied by an authentic punk soundtrack – a lavish cover of The Stooges “I Wanna Be Your Dog” by supporting character Artie really accentuates this. Director Craig Gillespie (known for his films; Lars and the Real Girl and I, Tonya) really showcases the vibrancy of the era and the fashion industry which you would assume was very much like what is portrayed. Aided by a strong cast; the best of British, with the great Emma Thompson portraying the evil fashion magnate and eventual rival to Cruella, Baroness von Hellman, with a wonderful snobbery and elegance. It even has Mark Strong as the brilliantly named John – the Barons right hand man and accomplice to most of her schemes – who is solid, as you would expect from such an established actor.
Cruella opens with a young Estella (Cruella’s original self) who lives with her mother Catherine (Emily Beecham) in the South of England. She developed a mean streak and a talent for fashion from an early age which led to her being teased, but not too shy to dish out some much-deserved payback as well – really filling those designer shoes in nicely. Her mother plans on moving them both to London and whilst en route, they decide to stop off at her boss’s party – the wealthy Baroness von Hellman – so she can ask for financial help. After a devastating moment involving Catherine, a cliff edge, and some deviously vicious Dalmatians, Estelle decides to run off towards the big city lights, leaving her future up to chance, who will she meet that will help this troubled young girl? She happens across two street urchin brothers, Jasper and Horace Badun (Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser) and yes, expect the usual witty banter and escapades that we saw from them in the original live action remake.
After starting out as a cleaner in a clothing store, the now grown-up Estella begins to rise through the ranks of Baroness von Hellman’s fashion line, whilst also committing petty crimes with her two associates, the Badun brothers. After the Baroness let’s slip some upsetting information about Estella’s mother, she begins to let her alter ego Cruella rise to the surface, causing all kinds of mischief and quickly making a name for herself in the most effective way possible. As the two fashion moguls battle it out in a game of wits and wickedness, and with revenge painfully on the mind of one Cruella de Vil, it leads to a few close calls, some nearly dead dogs, and a house burnt to a crisp. With a showdown in the offing, the story goes round in one big circle, eventually landing at the place where all the pain began, the mansion where it started and where it will fatefully end.
Cruella is a whimsical tale of highbrow and hijinks; the narration is as extravagant as the clothes on their back, but the twist itself (and yes, of course there is a twist) is easily distinguishable because of the similar characteristics of the two people in question. Overall, it was a surprisingly good adaptation, a much better and rounded film than the previous live action remakes. Now, Emma Stone is no Glenn Close (well, who is?) but she certainly put her heart and soul into this one, pinning down Cruella’s characteristics and showcasing that evil streak. The plot itself is simple – a story of revenge – accentuated to make it look “fabulous”, which it does and is almost a certainty to win next year’s Oscar for best costume design. Although, this modern-day Jekyll and Hyde story was a little on the long side – you could have cut 30 minutes out and it would have been the same film – it is a hugely entertaining watch that will be fun for kids and adults alike.
Available to watch in your local picture house now. Also available to rent from Disney+.
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