Disney’s Cruella Shows Audiences a Villain in Metamorphosis at a Time When She Loved Dogs

Cruella screengrab from Disney+

Disney’s Cruella made its debut May 28 in theaters and on Disney+ for those willing to pay for early access. After a long year of watching movies on our sofa, a change of scenery, and the familiarity of the movie theater seats were just what the vet ordered. However, this version of Cruella was anything but familiar, and for once these pet lovers were rooting for a villain once notorious for wearing a dalmatian fur coat. 

Forget what you think you know about Cruella Devil. The 2021 Cruella origin story, starring Emma Stone, flips the script on the 101 Dalmations, traditional villain. Gone are the long cigarette holder and the signature chain smoker we remember, and in her place is a complex character who is no longer screaming about needing spots simply to have the most dazzling coat. Instead, the audience will find a tragic underdog and animal lover that they can root for. 

The film opens on a young Cruella, whose birth name is Estella, as she recounts her days as a young child getting into trouble at school because of her “genius.” Her mischievous ways ultimately lead to her expulsion, and for her and her mother to pack up and head to Paris in search of a new school for Estella. On the way, Estella’s mother stops at the home of a former employer where a lavish party is taking place. It’s at this party where we see the tragic death of Estella’s mother -- a death she ultimately blames herself for much of her life. 

Without a father, and her mother now dead, Estella is left with no one but her dog Buddy as a companion. She makes her way to Paris as she and her mother planned where she meets, who else but two orphan boys who make their way through life as pickpockets, Jasper and Horrace. The trio band together and become the best of friends. They start a business as thieves and supply themselves with everything they could need. Estella even gets to feed her passions by creating elaborate disguises for them to wear when carrying out their heists, but she has always longed to design one for the runway, and elaborate heist costumes aren’t quite feeding her desires. 

After getting a job at a local department store, and catching the eye of world-renowned fashion designer, The Baroness, played by Emma Thompson, Estella begins to blossom as a fashion designer. However, it’s not long before Estella learns that it was Baroness’ party her mother died at all those years ago, and learns the story of how Baroness herself had a direct hand in her mother’s death. Eager for revenge, Estella taps into her alter ego, and Cruella is born. 

Cruella begins her crusade to ruin Baroness’ career. Audiences will be intrigued by the plot twists, couture fashion, and their ability to see a once-exclusively evil villain in a new light. Cruella will take audiences on a journey filled with excitement, adventure, love, and ultimately self-discovery as they watch Cruella become who she truly is. Like her hair, she is a perfect Yin and Yang of good and bad, both engaging in villainous acts, while also showing kindness and compassion.