Review: ‘Cruella’ Is the Perfect Addition to Disney’s Live-Action Lineup

“Cruella De Vil, Cruella De Vil, if she doesn’t scare you, no evil thing will.”

Disney’s live-action Cruella film released in theaters and on Disney+ premier access yesterday. The film is a prequel to the beloved 101 Dalmatians, where you dig in deeper into what made Cruella who she is.

The film is simply brilliant. The story is engaging and captivating, with some twists that keep you enthralled the entire two hours. You start out by seeing Cruella as a young child and watch her grow up, with pieces of the story being put together so you can understand how she became friends with Horace and Jasper, her connection with Dalmatians, her affinity for fashion, the origin of her name, and much more.

It’s a masterful piece of storytelling by Disney; Cruella is one of Disney’s most notable villains, and the way the storyline is weaved, you really do start to feel for the character and understand some of the reasons why she is the way she is. We also get some fun throwbacks to the cartoon and original story, such as Anita and Roger. The film also had stellar music. There were songs that you’d recognize anywhere and added such a fun edge to the film.

Emma Stone gives a dazzling performance as Cruella, and this is one of my favorite roles she’s ever been in. Emma Thompson is deliciously evil, and she loses herself in the role the way only she can. Paul Walter Hauser and Joel Fry steal the scenes they’re in and bring some comic relief. The animals that accompany Cruella, Horace and Jasper, are adorable and so much fun.

There is a mid-credit scene that will bring nostalgia to all of those 101 Dalmatian lovers, so make sure to check out the mid-credits scene after the film!

Overall, the film is such a delightful, fun journey. The mid-credit scene definitely sets it up to potentially continue to a sequel, but only time will tell.

Make sure to check out Cruella now, playing in theaters and on Disney+ Premier Access!