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My family and I were excited to see Disney’s newest live-action film, “Cruella.” The trailer looked captivating, promising to unveil the story behind Cruella’s infamous persona, her iconic laugh, reckless driving, and unique fashion sense. Would this film really depict her as a villain intent on acquiring all those adorable Dalmatians for their fur? I hoped not.
Watching “Cruella” turned out to be darker than we anticipated. Thankfully, my partner and I viewed it first to determine if it was appropriate for our kids. I say thankfully because, if you have any unresolved issues with your mother, “Cruella” could be quite triggering.
Spoiler Alert!
If you’re not ready for spoilers, you may want to stop reading now.
On a Saturday night, my partner and I settled into bed with a big bowl of popcorn. The kids were already asleep, giving us a chance to unwind. Yes, we’re two adults watching a Disney movie on our weekend. Disney live-action films hold a special place in the hearts of those of us raised in the ‘80s and ‘90s, who fondly remember classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Discovering the backstories behind these characters adds a layer of nostalgia.
The film opens on a light note. Estella is a bright, headstrong girl raised by a single mother. She’s seen sewing, creatively disregarding her mother’s instructions, showing us her independent spirit. After being expelled from school for her mischievous antics, including fighting with boys, she and her mother embark on a journey to London for a fresh start. However, they must stop to ask a friend for financial help, and Estella, against orders, sneaks out.
In true Disney fashion, a glamorous ball, a storm, and a villain emerge. Estella becomes an orphan when a balcony collapses, tragically taking her mother’s life. This scene is shocking, even for adults, although we’ve come to expect parental loss in Disney narratives. Estella believes she’s responsible for her mother’s death, which only deepens her trauma.
Things spiral downward from there. Estella makes two friends, and they resort to manipulation and theft, cleverly disguised in outfits she designs. As she transitions from a child to a young woman, she harnesses her fashion skills for their criminal endeavors. Landing a job with The Baroness, a high-powered fashion designer, finally gives Estella a sense of independence. However, everything falls apart when she uncovers The Baroness’s dark side, reminiscent of her own mother’s fate. The Baroness is cold, dismissive, and embodies gaslighting tendencies, potentially fitting the description of a narcissist.
Estella grapples with her dual identity, balancing her life as a fashion designer with her emerging identity as Cruella, who seeks revenge against The Baroness. Her cleverness is undeniable, but her obsession with revenge leads her to confront her past, ultimately revealing a jaw-dropping truth.
The film explores themes of abandonment, trauma, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships. Many women I know have strained or non-existent relationships with their mothers. Circumstances, choices, and incompatibility can all play a role in these dynamics. Like Estella-Cruella, we often find ourselves grappling with the repercussions of our past.
The narrative also highlights that both parties in a toxic relationship can share the blame. We all do our best with what we have, but that doesn’t mean we should tolerate unhealthy relationships. If setting boundaries isn’t enough, sometimes distancing ourselves, even from a mother, is necessary—painful but sometimes vital.
While we hear about daughters with “daddy issues,” we often overlook the impact of mothers who fail to show up for their children. Estella attempts to break free from her mother’s shadow, forming a new family with her friends, working hard, and relying on her talents. Yet, the absence of her mother ultimately leaves her broken.
Motherhood is powerful, capable of inflicting deep wounds. Many carry these burdens silently. What do we do when our mothers abandon us, are emotionally unavailable, or worse? In “Cruella,” we see a character trying to forge her own path while inadvertently mirroring her mother’s darker traits. Estella-Cruella clearly needed support to process her trauma, establish healthy boundaries, and channel her energy positively.
It’s important to note that while “Cruella” is fictional, its portrayal of mother-daughter relationships resonates deeply. If you’re planning a family movie night, brace yourself—this film’s themes of trauma and truth may strike a chord with some viewers.
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In summary, “Cruella” serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding mother-daughter relationships and the trauma that can arise from them. While the film is entertaining, it also explores serious themes that may resonate with many viewers.
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