Cruella
Cruella is a 2021 Disney crime comedy-drama that reimagines the origin story of the infamous villain, Cruella de Vil. Set in 1970s London amid the burgeoning punk rock movement, the film follows Estella, a gifted but mischievous aspiring fashion designer. Her journey involves navigating the cutthroat fashion world, forming an unconventional family with two street thieves, and ultimately embracing her darker alter ego, Cruella, as she seeks revenge against a powerful fashion icon. The movie explores themes of identity, ambition, and retribution, wrapped in a visually striking and energetic aesthetic.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe movie contains frequent instances of physical and psychological violence, including multiple depictions of death, attempted murder, and dog attacks. While not overly graphic with gore, the intensity and frequency of these violent acts, often played for dramatic effect or revenge, contribute to a darker tone suitable for older audiences.
Estella's mother, Catherine, dies early in the film after being pushed off a cliff by the Baroness's Dalmatians, an event witnessed by young Estella. Later, the Baroness attempts to murder Cruella by tying her to a chair and setting her apartment ablaze, leaving her to perish in the fire. The film also features numerous chase scenes, fights where characters are punched and kicked, and instances of property destruction, such as Cruella driving a garbage truck into a police station to free her friends.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe movie features several intense and potentially frightening scenes, including the death of a parent, attempted murders, and emotionally disturbing themes of abandonment and revenge. The psychological manipulation and dark motivations of characters, particularly the Baroness, create a constant sense of threat and distress.
Young Estella witnesses her mother's death by being pushed off a cliff by Dalmatians. Cruella is later subjected to a traumatic near-death experience when the Baroness sets her apartment on fire while she is tied up inside. The film also includes intense scenes of dog attacks, chase sequences, and the Baroness's cruel and abusive behavior towards her staff and Estella, creating a sustained atmosphere of suspense and peril.
Disrespect & Rebellion
HighDisrespect and rebellion are central themes of the film, forming the core of Cruella's character development. Estella actively defies authority figures, engages in petty thievery, and challenges societal norms, particularly in the fashion world. Her transformation into Cruella is driven by a strong desire for vengeance and a rejection of traditional expectations.
From a young age, Estella exhibits rebellious behavior, leading to her expulsion from school after fighting bullies. As an adult, she and her friends Jasper and Horace engage in a life of elaborate street thievery, constantly evading the law and disrespecting property rights. Cruella's entire persona is an act of defiance against the Baroness and the establishment, culminating in public acts of sabotage and theatrical challenges to the Baroness's authority and reputation.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film features Artie, a prominent supporting character, who is presented as Disney's first openly queer character in a live-action film. Portrayed by openly gay actor John McCrea, Artie embodies a flamboyant, gender-bending glam rock style inspired by David Bowie and identifies as an outsider, aligning with the film's broader themes of embracing difference and chosen family. While some critics debated the explicitness, the actor and many viewers recognize Artie's queer identity, making him a visible representation.
Artie is introduced as the proprietor of a vintage clothing store, characterized by his flamboyant attire, heavy eye makeup, and a Ziggy Stardust-inspired aesthetic. When Estella asks about how his look is received, he replies, "Some insults and abuse. But I like to say that 'normal' is the cruelest insult of them all." The actor, John McCrea, publicly affirmed his character's queerness, stating, "it depends on who you're asking, I suppose – but for me, yes, it's official: he's queer."
Profanity
MediumThe movie includes occasional mild to moderate profanity and name-calling. Common expletives like 'hell' and 'damn' are used, along with derogatory terms such as 'stupid,' 'imbecile,' 'cripes,' and 'psycho.' While not pervasive, the language contributes to the film's edgier, rebellious tone.
Characters engage in name-calling, with terms like 'stupid,' 'imbecile,' and 'psycho' used. There are several instances of mild curse words, including the British expletive 'bloody' used multiple times, and occasional uses of 'hell' and 'damn'. Cruella also renames a family estate 'Hell Hall'.
Substance Use
MediumThe film depicts characters consuming alcohol and smoking. Alcohol consumption is shown at various parties and social events, sometimes to excess, and a character is shown drinking heavily and passing out. Smoking is also present, consistent with the 1970s setting.
Estella is shown drinking from a decanter before passing out in a window display at Liberty department store. Alcohol is visibly consumed by adults at numerous parties and events throughout the movie. The film also features characters smoking, which is depicted as common during the 1970s era in which the story is set.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumSome Christian reviews highlight concerns regarding the film's moral messaging, particularly its perceived glamorization of evil, rebellion, and revenge. The narrative suggests that embracing one's 'bad' nature can be more effective or enjoyable than striving for goodness, which contrasts with core Christian values of forgiveness, humility, and selflessness.
Christian reviews express concern that the film 'glamorizes being bad' and presents Cruella's descent into villainy in an admirable light, potentially sending a message that 'being bad is more glamorous and admirable than trying to be good.' The film's underlying message that 'you grow up to be whoever you are "born to be"' and Estella abandoning her desire to be 'good' for a more 'useful' and 'fun' 'bad' persona is seen as problematic from a Christian ethical standpoint, which emphasizes resisting sinful urges and loving others.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic and sexual content is minimal. The film does not feature explicit sexual acts or graphic nudity. There are no significant romantic plotlines for the main characters, and suggestive content is largely absent. One brief instance of non-sexual infant nudity is present at the beginning of the film.
The closest depiction of nudity occurs at the very beginning when a newborn baby (Estella) is shown briefly and fully nude after birth. Beyond this, the film has no sexual references or overt romantic scenes. While there are hints of a past attraction between Estella and Jasper, it is not developed into a significant romantic relationship within the film.
Witchcraft & Occult
LowThe movie "Cruella" does not contain any elements of witchcraft, sorcery, occult practices, magic rituals, demons, spells, or supernatural themes. The narrative is grounded in a realistic (albeit stylized) 1970s London setting, focusing on fashion, crime, and human relationships rather than fantastical or supernatural elements.
There are no instances of characters engaging in magical acts, supernatural events, or references to occult practices within the 2021 film. Any previous associations of the character Cruella de Vil with magic or witchcraft are from other adaptations, such as 'Once Upon a Time,' and are not present in this movie.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Recommended for ages 13 and up. The film is rated PG-13 for "some violence and thematic elements," indicating its darker tone and mature content. It features intense psychological themes, a focus on revenge, moderate violence, mild language, and portrayals of substance use, making it more suitable for teenagers and adults who can critically engage with complex character motivations and challenging moral landscapes.
Additional Notes
The film's visual style, soundtrack, and character performances are highly acclaimed, but parents should be aware that these elements often serve to make morally ambiguous or outright villainous behavior appear captivating and stylish. The psychological depth of the characters and the themes of abandonment and revenge may require discussion with younger viewers. The tone is significantly darker and more complex than typical Disney live-action adaptations, leaning more towards a punk rock anti-hero narrative.
Related Reviews
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