“Cruella,” tells the story of Cruella De Vil before she was so fascinated in the 101 dalmations. 

Like most origin stories, we see young Cruella, or Estella as is her actual name, being picked on for being different as a child. Yet, she does not cower and back away, but fights back instead, resulting in her expulsion from school.

Estella and her mother, whom she adores, venture to a fancy party in order to ask the hostess for some money to start a new life (and send Cruella to a new school) in London. 

After a series of unfortunate events, Cruella’s mother is killed — a staple to all Disney movies it seems. Cruella becomes an orphan and befriends the orphan boys: Jasper and Horace. 

The time then shifts to early 20s Cruella; she is now a pickpocket master mind, thanks in large part to her ability to design an outfit for any occasion. 

Yet, Cruella longs to work in fashion. Eventually, she earns her spot working for the Baronnes, a fictional Anna Wintour if you will. 

The story continues from there, with plenty elements of drama, fashion, girl power, friendship and rebellion. 

Aside from the plot of the movie itself, which did drag in some places, there were little nuggets to this film that made it one worth viewing. 

For starters, the outfits and set designs were all that one would expect from a high-end budget Disney production. Even though I do not necessarily care for fashion, I was still blown away by the creativity and beauty behind the pieces. As for the set designs, they were simply magnificent, making you jealous you couldn’t be part of the fun.

Another nugget was the music score. Songs such as “I’m feeling good,” “These boots are made for walkin” and “One way or another” added to the rebellious tone of the movie and brought the 60s and 70s aspects of the movie to light. 

The only complaint that comes to mind is one Disney is at fault for way too often; the lack of diversity. I suppose perhaps they went for an accurate depiction of the London fashion scene in the 60s and 70s, yet it still did not sit well with me that the only characters of color were shoehorned in. 

Despite this, the movie as a whole was spectacular. I am not a big Marvel fan, so I have limited experience when it comes to origin stories. Yet, I can’t imagine anyone disagreeing with me when I say this is the perfect movie to go see, especially if you are a girl in need of some self-confidence.