Cruella
dir. Craig Gillespie · 2021
Pursuing one's passion can lead to self-discovery and transformation, even in the face of adversity.
"Cruella" reimagines the iconic villain with a vibrant blend of rebellion and style, diving into the darkly comedic chaos of the fashion world. A tale of ambition and revenge, it challenges the viewer to rethink the boundaries of morality through the lens of artistic obsession and personal transformation.
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.
Talking points
- the impact of fashion on identity
- the morality of revenge
- the complexity of female relationships
- the intersection of art and ambition
