I watched Cruella and I liked it. 3/5
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Cruella, directed by Craig Gillespie, is a live-action prequel that explores the backstory of the iconic Disney villain Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians. The film takes a darker and edgier approach, aiming to humanize the character and provide a fresh perspective on her origins. While it boasts stunning visuals, stylish costumes, and strong performances, the film falls short in terms of pacing and narrative coherence.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its visual presentation. The production design is exquisite, capturing the vibrant and rebellious spirit of 1970s London. From the extravagant fashion pieces to the lively street scenes, the film creates a visually immersive experience that brings the era to life. The costumes, designed by Jenny Beavan, are a highlight, reflecting the character’s transformation from the aspiring fashion designer Estella to the notorious Cruella. The film’s aesthetic choices are bold and captivating, adding to the overall allure.
Emma Stone delivers a commendable performance as the titular character. She fully embodies the complexities of Cruella, showcasing her ambition, wit, and determination. Stone brings depth to the character, portraying her as more than just a one-dimensional villain. Her chemistry with Emma Thompson, who plays the formidable fashion house owner, is electric and drives much of the film’s tension.
The supporting cast also shines, with standout performances from Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser as Cruella’s loyal friends and accomplices. Their comedic timing adds levity to the film, providing some much-needed moments of humor amidst the darker tones. Their dynamic with Cruella creates an engaging camaraderie that adds depth to the narrative.
However, the film suffers from pacing issues. At times, the story feels drawn out and slow, with certain scenes overstaying their welcome. The film’s runtime could have been trimmed down to maintain a tighter narrative, as some sequences feel repetitive and do not contribute significantly to the overall plot. This uneven pacing detracts from the film’s potential impact, making it feel bloated and unnecessarily long.
In terms of storytelling, Cruella tries to navigate a fine line between sympathetic anti-hero and villain, but doesn’t always strike the right balance. The film attempts to present Cruella as a misunderstood and mistreated character, but some of her actions and choices undermine this sympathetic portrayal. The shift between Estella and Cruella’s personas is sometimes jarring and lacks a smooth transition, leaving the audience questioning the character’s motivations and believability.
Furthermore, the film’s attempts to incorporate elements of rebellion and punk culture feel forced and inconsistent. While the soundtrack and certain visual motifs pay homage to the era’s counterculture movement, these aspects are not fully integrated into the narrative, making them feel superficial and inconsequential.
Despite its flaws, Cruella offers an entertaining and visually stunning experience. The performances, particularly from Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, elevate the material and keep the audience engaged. The film’s aesthetic choices and fashion-forward approach add flair and style, making it visually captivating. However, the pacing issues and narrative inconsistencies prevent it from reaching its full potential. While Cruella may not be a perfect film, it is still an enjoyable watch for fans of the character and those seeking a fresh take on a classic Disney villain.