Predictability is one element of a story that really bugs me. 

Why sit through a two-hour movie when you already know the outcome for the characters? 

However, in Cruella, this was not the case. When creating a backstory for a Disney villain as misunderstood as Cruella De Vil, it would be a crime not to include numerous plot twists. Her mysterious and evil intentions are what define her as an irreplicable villain.

After watching the movie, one prominent detail that I mentioned to my family was that this movie was in fact not predictable. Cruella De Vil, played impeccably by Emma Stone, gave movie-guessers a run for their money. 

Stone seemed to be made for the role. It was interesting for me to see her play this angsty, kick-butt villain role because unlike the other films I’ve seen her star in like The Help, this role was quite different. 

As evil and outright mean as the character Cruella is, I can’t help but think that Stone had a lot of fun playing her. She got to unapologetically destroy cars, break into safes with the slightest move of her hand, and basically hold everyone under her thumb—all while looking fabulous. 

I was very glad to see that the production crew did little to change the iconic wardrobe that gives Cruella De Vil her notability. With her hair split black and white down the middle, the continued black and white—dalmatian colors—theme remained prominent within her style choices. 

This well-thought-out origin story covered Cruella’s birth parents, the reasoning behind changing her name from Estella to Cruella, how her two most loyal sidekicks—Horace and Jasper—came into her life, and ultimately what made her go so mentally mad. 

But, of course, no movie is seamless. My only grievances surrounding the movie include the introduction of Horace and Jasper and how the ending was left. 

I felt like Cruella randomly meeting the pair at a fountain in the park and then taking her into their life seemed too overdone. I think they both could have been added into the story more dramatically; the three of them did become lifelong friends after all. Shouldn’t they have had more of a connection than a simple random meeting? 

Additionally, I would’ve been left very confused if I didn’t go back and watch an extra scene at the end of the credits. The scene basically showed Annita and Roger, who would get married in the future, each receiving a dalmatian puppy from Cruella. 

I think this was a sort of hasty way to wrap up the movie and a not-so-smooth attempt to connect Cruella with 101 Dalmations that would come later in time.

Overall, I was very invested in the story thanks to all the plot twists and thrills, but I cannot forget to mention the very purposeful soundtrack that gave each scene the zest it needed to put it over the top in the spirit of Cruella. 

Because the movie was set in London, Europe, it was very appropriate for songs by famous artists such as Queen, John McCrea, and Ike & Tina Turner to make their appearances. I loved how it gave the whole movie a very 70s aesthetic, reminding us about the punk rock era. I think that the chosen songs perfectly encapsulated what could be considered the life soundtrack of Cruella De Vil. 

The songs were just one detail among many that set the scenes. 

The other more minuscule details are what made me truly appreciate the film. One of the three dalmatian dogs’ names was “Ghengis,” and from learning about Genghis Khan in AP World History last year, he was a ruthless leader who showed no mercy; this name was not given to the dog who belonged to the ruthless Baroness in the movie by accident. 

Another sly move expertly included in the movie was the millions of moths sewn into the Baroness’ favorite dress. As soon as those little creatures did their job, it didn’t just leave the characters in the movie in awe; it left my mouth gaping open as well. 

After seeing how little details can truly define a film, moments like these are how I distinguish a good movie from a great one.