Cruella is a 2021 crime comedy-drama film directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Emma Stone as the titular character, Cruella de Vil. The film is a prequel to Disney’s 101 Dalmatians, and tells the story of how Cruella became the infamous fashion designer and dog-napper.
The film is set in 1970s London and follows Estella, a young aspiring fashion designer, as she transforms into the flamboyant and cunning Cruella. Along the way, she teams up with a group of fellow outcasts and rival fashion designer Baroness von Hellman, played by Emma Thompson.
Cruella received positive reviews from critics, who praised its stylish direction, costumes, and performances, particularly Emma Stone’s portrayal of the character. The film was also noted for its dark humor and the way it subverted expectations by portraying Cruella as a sympathetic protagonist.
Despite being released during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cruella was a commercial success, grossing over $220 million worldwide. A sequel is currently in development.
Cruella was released in May 2021 and is available on Disney+.
Duration: 134 min.
