Release: 2021-05-26
Runtime: 2h 14m (134 minutes)
In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.
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Genres: Adventure, Comedy, Crime, Family
Cast: Emma Thompson, Emma Stone, Mark Strong, more
Emma Thompson
as The Baroness
Emma Stone
as Estella / Cruella
Mark Strong
as John the Valet
Emily Beecham
as Catherine / Maid
Joel Fry
as Jasper
Kayvan Novak
as Roger
Kirby Howell-Baptiste
as Anita Darling
Paul Walter Hauser
as Horace
Jamie Demetriou
as Gerald
Andrew Leung
as Jeffrey
Abraham Popoola
as George
Billie Gadsdon
as Estella (Age 5)
In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.
Hello Cruel World
Cruella is a 2021 American film that explores the backstory of one of Disney's most infamous villains, Cruella de Vil. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film stars Emma Stone as Cruella and Emma Thompson as the Baroness, Cruella's rival. The movie is set in London during the punk rock era of the 1970s and chronicles the life of Estella Miller, a young woman with a passion for fashion who transforms into the notorious Cruella.
In the story, Estella is an imaginative child with a flair for fashion but faces bullying due to her distinctive black and white hair. Tragedy strikes when her mother is killed during an encounter with Dalmatians, leading Estella to run away to London. There, she meets two street kids, Jasper and Horace, and they form a tight bond while engaging in petty crimes to survive. Estella's talent for design shines through when she gets a chance to work for the respected designer Baroness von Hellman, portrayed by Thompson.
Estella's journey takes a dark turn as she adopts the persona of Cruella to compete against the Baroness. As Cruella, Estella flaunts her unique style and builds a reputation in the fashion world. The film explores the conflicts between the two women, which culminates in a battle of wits and fashion that highlights themes of identity and ambition. The transformation from Estella to Cruella is a central focus, emphasizing the internal struggle between good and evil.
Cruella premiered on May 18, 2021, at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles and was later released in theaters and on Disney+ on May 28, 2021. The film received positive reviews for its vibrant visuals, engaging performances, and striking costume design, securing a box office gross of over $233 million worldwide.
The film has earned nominations for several awards, including the Academy Awards, where it won for Best Costume Design. Critics praised the dynamic performances of Stone and Thompson, with particular attention to the extravagant costumes designed by Jenny Beavan.
As for its impact, Cruella has sparked discussions about the portrayal of villains and the complexity of their narratives. The film reimagines a classic character, presenting a multifaceted story that resonates with contemporary themes about power, identity, and the struggles of women in a male-dominated society.
Fans of the film will be pleased to know that a sequel is in the works, with Stone expected to return in her role as Cruella. This continuation of the story hints at further exploration of her character and the extravagant world she inhabits.
