Cruella

Set against the vibrant backdrop of 1970s London during the explosive punk rock revolution, "Cruella" tells the riveting origin story of Estella, a talented young grifter portrayed by the charismatic Emma Stone. With dreams of making a name for herself in the world of fashion, Estella navigates the gritty streets of London, where she cleverly employs her creativity and resourcefulness to survive. Along the way, she forms a tight-knit bond with a duo of young thieves who share her zest for mischief and adventure. Together, they carve out a life filled with laughter and rebellion, thriving in the underbelly of a city that embraces uniqueness and defies convention.

Destiny soon intervenes when Estella’s eye-catching designs garner the attention of the formidable Baroness von Hellman, played by the mesmerizing Emma Thompson. This legendary designer embodies sophistication and elegance, but beneath her polished exterior lies a ruthless ambition that sets her apart. As Estella is drawn into the glamorous yet cutthroat world of high fashion, she finds herself at a crossroads, torn between her dreams and the harsh reality of her aspirations. The relationship between Estella and the Baroness begins as a mentor-student dynamic, but it quickly spirals into a fierce rivalry that unearths dark secrets and intense emotions, ultimately challenging Estella’s identity and values.

As the stakes rise, Estella is propelled down a transformative path, igniting her inner turmoil and prompting her to fully embrace her darker impulses. In this gripping tale of revenge, ambition, and transformation, she evolves into the unforgettable Cruella—a figure as raucous as she is stylish, hell-bent on breaking the mold and redefining what it means to be a true fashion icon. The film artfully blends humor, drama, and breathtaking visuals while inviting audiences to witness Estella's metamorphosis from a hopeful designer into an iconic villainess, making "Cruella" an exhilarating exploration of self-discovery and the complexities of ambition.

Main Cast of Cruella

Emma Stone's portrayal of Estella / Cruella in the eponymous film "Cruella" is a tour de force that exemplifies her remarkable range as an actress. She brings a magnetic intensity to the role, brilliantly navigating the character's transformation from the street-smart and scrappy Estella to the flamboyant and anarchistic fashion icon, Cruella. Stone's performance is both a homage to the character's roots in Disney's "One Hundred and One Dalmatians" and a fresh, bold reimagining that stands on its own. Her ability to convey Cruella's complex mix of vulnerability, ambition, and vengeance, all while maintaining a darkly humorous edge, captivates the audience. Stone's nuanced embodiment of the character's duality—the good and the bad within Estella/Cruella—elevates the film beyond a simple villain origin story, crafting a layered and compelling antihero narrative. Her chemistry with the supporting cast, including Emma Thompson as the formidable Baroness, further enriches her character's journey, making her turn as Cruella one of her most memorable and daring performances to date.

Emma Thompson's portrayal of The Baroness in Disney's "Cruella" is a masterclass in villainy, delivering a performance that is as deliciously wicked as it is profoundly compelling. Thompson embodies the haute couture-clad antagonist with an icy grandeur, crafting a character that is both a formidable adversary to the titular character, played by Emma Stone, and a fascinating study of power and narcissism in the high-stakes world of 1970s London fashion. Her sharp tongue and imperious demeanor are matched only by her exquisite taste in fashion, as Thompson's Baroness strides through scenes with a regal presence, commanding attention and respect. Yet, beneath the polished exterior, Thompson layers the character with a vulnerability that hints at the insecurities and dark past fueling her ruthless ambition. Her performance is a standout, offering viewers a complex, multi-dimensional antagonist whose unexpected depths add a rich texture to the film's exploration of identity, creativity, and the cost of success.

In Disney's "Cruella," Joel Fry brings a charming and endearing portrayal to the character of Jasper, one of the key figures in Cruella de Vil's origin story. Fry's performance is a delightful blend of roguish charisma and unexpected depth, as he navigates the complex dynamics between Jasper's loyalty to his partner-in-crime Horace and his burgeoning friendship with the eponymous Cruella. His ability to convey a sense of genuine warmth and camaraderie with Emma Stone's Cruella, while maintaining the mischievous edge of a small-time thief, adds layers to what could have been a one-dimensional character. Fry's Jasper is not merely a sidekick; he is a fully realized individual with his own moral compass, who often serves as the emotional anchor of the film. His expressive eyes and comedic timing provide levity in tense moments, making Jasper a standout character that audiences can't help but root for, even as he walks the line between right and wrong. Joel Fry's nuanced performance is a testament to his range as an actor and contributes significantly to the film's vibrant and engaging narrative.

Paul Walter Hauser's portrayal of Horace in Disney's "Cruella" is a standout performance that brings a delightful blend of humor and heart to the film. As one half of the bumbling yet endearing duo alongside Jasper, played by Joel Fry, Hauser's Horace is a character that effortlessly captures the audience's affection. His comedic timing and physicality offer moments of levity that balance the darker themes of the film, while his genuine loyalty and compassion towards the titular character, Cruella, add depth to his role. Hauser's ability to convey Horace's inner goodness and unwavering friendship, even when entangled in Cruella's schemes, makes his character a memorable and beloved presence on screen. His performance is a testament to his range as an actor, as he brings a unique energy that complements the film's stylish and subversive tone, making Horace an indelible part of the "Cruella" narrative.

Emily Beecham's portrayal of Catherine / Maid in Disney's "Cruella" is a subtle yet pivotal performance that adds depth to the film's exploration of identity and class. Beecham brings a quiet intensity to the role, adeptly conveying the duality of her character's life as both a devoted servant and a key figure in the young Estella's journey towards becoming Cruella. Her nuanced acting allows Catherine to oscillate between warmth and reserve, reflecting the complexities of a life spent in service, where personal aspirations are often suppressed for the sake of duty. Beecham's performance is marked by an understated elegance and a keen understanding of the character's inner turmoil, making her a memorable presence in the film despite her limited screen time. Her interactions with Emma Stone's protagonist are laced with a mix of affection and caution, hinting at a shared past that influences Cruella's evolution. Emily Beecham's ability to embody the character's unspoken emotional journey and her ultimate role in the narrative's twist adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film's dark and fashionable world.

Crew of Cruella