Cruella (2021)
Synopsis:
Cruella follows the story of Estella, a clever and creative young woman with a flair for fashion. Set in 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, Estella is determined to make a name for herself in the fashion world. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her mischievous side, and together they build a life on the streets of London. Estella's flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is both terrifying and chic. Their relationship sets off a course of events and revelations that lead Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the fashionable and revenge-driven Cruella de Vil. As she navigates the world of high fashion, Estella's transformation into Cruella is marked by bold choices and daring escapades.
Where To Watch: Cruella
Parental Feedback
Cruella, released in 2021, is a drama and crime film with a PG-13 rating, making it a movie for teens. The film is a stylish and edgy origin story of the iconic Disney villain, Cruella de Vil, set in the punk rock era of 1970s London. While many parents appreciate its bold fashion and strong performances, some are concerned about its darker themes and moral ambiguity.
Why Teens Should Watch Cruella
The movie is praised for its engaging storyline and strong character development.
- Highlights themes of creativity and self-discovery.
- Features a compelling performance by Emma Stone as Cruella.
- Offers visually stunning costumes and set designs that captivate teens.
- Explores the complexity of ambition and identity.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Cruella
Parents express concerns about the film's darker themes and moral ambiguity.
- Contains themes of revenge and deception that may be challenging.
- Includes scenes of intense rivalry and manipulation.
- Some visual elements may be too intense for younger teens.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to its darker themes and moral ambiguity.
What Parents Should Know About Cruella
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | Themes of revenge, ambition, and identity are explored through Cruella's transformation and actions. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | Cruella engages in deceit and manipulation, which are not always critically addressed. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | Cruella evolves from a rebellious young woman to a confident and ambitious fashion icon, learning to embrace her true self. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | The film portrays complex family dynamics and challenges traditional gender roles through its strong female lead. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film's exploration of identity and ambition can lead to discussions about personal growth and ethical choices. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Cruella is celebrated for its stylish visuals and strong performances, particularly by Emma Stone. However, its darker themes and moral ambiguity may not be suitable for all teens, making parental guidance important. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking a lighter alternative, consider other Disney classics with clearer moral messages.
Official Cruella Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Cruella
Cruella's most common core values include Creativity, Determination, and Being yourself. Teens can see how Estella uses her creative talents in fashion to make her dreams come true in the world of design. Her determination is clear as she faces challenges, never giving up on her desire to succeed. Being yourself shines through as Estella learns that embracing her unique self is the key to finding her place, even when it means becoming Cruella.
Creativity is shown when Estella designs eye-catching outfits that grab everyone's attention, including the fashion icon Baroness von Hellman. Determination can be seen when she works tirelessly, even if it means teaming up with unlikely friends to reach her goals. One moment that emphasizes being yourself is when Estella decides to make a bold statement at a high-society event, choosing to showcase her own style instead of hiding it. These moments demonstrate how important it is to stay true to who you are, no matter what.
Other Core Values Explored: Self-discovery | Resilience | Courage | Independence | Standing up for what's right | Self-expression | Leadership | Emotional growth
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Cruella
Accepting Your Identity: In the movie, Estella's journey to becoming Cruella highlights the importance of accepting who you truly are, even if it means embracing aspects that others may not understand or appreciate. As Estella navigates the fashion world, she learns that her unique flair and rebellious spirit are integral parts of her identity.
Being True to Yourself: Estella's transformation into Cruella is a testament to the power of staying true to oneself. Despite various challenges and pressures to conform, she makes bold fashion statements that reflect her personality and beliefs, showing that authenticity is key to personal fulfillment.
Believing in Yourself: Throughout the movie, Estella's belief in her talents and abilities is unwavering. Her confidence enables her to overcome obstacles and rivals, illustrating that self-belief is a crucial element in achieving one's dreams.
Following Your Passion: The storyline emphasizes the importance of pursuing your passions. Estella's love for fashion drives her actions and choices, underscoring how passion can fuel creativity and lead to success in unexpected ways.
Making Differences Your Strength: Estella learns to turn her differences into her strengths, using her unique style and perspective to outshine opponents in the competitive fashion industry. Her story teaches that embracing what sets you apart can be a powerful asset.
Other Lessons Learned: Breaking Gender Stereotypes | Celebrating Uniqueness | Challenging Parental Expectations | Choosing Your Path | Discovering Hidden Strengths | Embracing Your Weirdness | Never Giving Up | Rewriting Your Story | Solving Problems Creatively | Standing Up for Others | Supporting Your Friends | Trusting Intuition | Using Talents Responsibly
Why Kids Love Cruella
In the enchanting world of Estella, kids are swept into the bustling streets of 1970s London, where clever disguises and bold fashion statements reign. The mix of mischievous antics and fast-paced action keeps them on the edge of their seats. Estella's creative outfits spark excitement as they dazzle and startle the city's elite, adding flair and fun to every scene. As she and her band of young thieves plot daring escapades, kids are drawn to the thrill of breaking rules and proving themselves against the odds. Packed with outrageous stunts and unexpected twists, the movie is a rollercoaster ride through high-stakes adventures that capture the imagination.
Estella’s flair for design and audacious spirit find a remarkable stage when she challenges the status quo in the high-stakes fashion world. Kids admire the wild transformations and eye-popping visuals that Estella pulls off as she navigates epic quests in the fashion jungle. The movie is alive with action, featuring brave heroes and cunning moves during their clever heists and secret juggling of identities. Teens, especially, groove to the rebellious energy sweeping through the story as Estella shakes up conventions, proving that doing things your way can lead to electrifying breakthroughs. With humor, daring, and a touch of mischief, every moment crackles with the essence of standing out and doing things uniquely.