Cruella: A Stylish Disappointment with a Shockingly Unbelievable Transformation
Cruella, now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, promises a fresh take on the iconic 101 Dalmatians villain, but unfortunately falters in its attempt to make her transformation believable. The film, starring Emma Stone, suffers from the same problem as Game of Thrones’ final season – it desperately tries to turn its protagonist into the antagonist we all know and expect, but the journey feels forced and lacks a compelling narrative arc. Despite Stone’s undeniable charisma and a visually dazzling production, Cruella ultimately leaves audiences feeling unfulfilled.
A Story of Style Over Substance
The film oozes style – the costumes are stunning, the cinematography is sharp, and the soundtrack is a delightful mix of classic rock and pop hits, showcasing the best of Queen, David Bowie, The Doors, and more. However, beneath this glitzy exterior lies a story that struggles to connect. While the film’s origin tale draws inspiration from classics like The Devil Wears Prada and The Favourite, it never quite reaches their level of depth and complexity. The narrative stumbles upon a crucial flaw: a lack of believable character development.
The Baroness: A Missed Opportunity and an Unconvincing Villain
Emma Thompson, playing the formidable fashion icon The Baroness, is unfortunately relegated to a one-dimensional role. Her portrayal feels clichéd, stuck within the confines of a stereotypical Disney villain. This, combined with Mark Strong’s thankless role as the Baroness’ valet, John, results in a significant underutilization of talented actors. The supporting cast, including the likes of Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Joel Fry, also struggle to make a lasting impact.
A Troubled Transformation and a Lack of Moral Clarity
While the film attempts to explore Estella’s transformation into Cruella, the transition feels jarring and unconvincing. It’s as if the filmmakers decided to skip the crucial steps of the villain’s evolution, opting instead for a sudden and inexplicable shift in personality. This abrupt transformation is further compounded by a lack of moral consistency. Estella, initially portrayed as a kind and creative soul, turns into a cruel, self-centered individual with little explanation.
While the film attempts to frame her transformation as a product of nature, rooted in her biological connection to The Baroness, this explanation feels cheap and contrived, especially in the face of Estella’s experiences as an orphan in the rough streets of London. It seems Cruella ultimately chooses to prioritize plot convenience over believable character development, leaving viewers with a sense of unease and frustration.
A Glimmer of Hope: Paul Walter Hauser as Horace
In an otherwise underwhelming supporting cast, Paul Walter Hauser shines as Horace, providing much-needed humor and energy. He breathes life into a character that could have easily been a mere caricature. His comedic timing and ability to convey a genuine affection for Estella, even amidst her increasingly erratic behavior, anchor Horace as a relatable and sympathetic figure – a stark contrast to the other characters, whose motivations and actions remain murky.
A Frustrating Conclusion: More Style Than Substance
Ultimately, Cruella, though visually vibrant and entertaining in parts, fails to deliver on its potential. Its biggest flaw lies in its inability to create a convincing and compelling villainous arc. While the film showcases a dazzling visual spectacle, it lacks the emotional depth needed to truly engage the audience. The movie feels like a shallow imitation of its influences, leaving viewers with a sense of disappointment, especially when considering the potential it held with such a talented cast and creative team.
