Cruella

The iconic villain transforms into a fierce anti-hero in this stylish, thrilling tale of ambition, rebellion and revenge.

Cruella reimagines the iconic villain from 101 Dalmatians as a complex anti-hero rather than a straightforward villain. The film explores the origins of Estella, a talented young fashion designer who whose rebellious nature clashes with social norms. When the tyrannical Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson) wrongs her, Estella’s alter ego, Cruella de Vil, emerges.

Cruella’s evolution is fuelled by trauma, ambition and a desire for recognition. As she seeks revenge, her actions become increasingly ruthless and morally questionable. However, the film presents her as a product of her harsh environment – driven by a need for self-empowerment in a world that has mistreated her.

Operating in a morally grey space, Cruella defies social expectations while maintaining vulnerability and charisma. Her story is one of personal empowerment through defiance, prompting us to see her not as a villain, but as a layered, relatable anti-hero. Cruella challenges us to consider the costs of overambition and revenge.

– Professor Angela Ndalianis, Professor Emeritus, Centre for Transformative Media Technologies, Swinburne University of Technology