Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Cruella

film

Cruella

2021

In 1970s London amidst the punk rock revolution, a young grifter named Estella is determined to make a name for herself with her designs. She befriends a pair of young thieves who appreciate her appetite for mischief, and together they are able to build a life for themselves on the London streets. One day, Estella’s flair for fashion catches the eye of the Baroness von Hellman, a fashion legend who is devastatingly chic and terrifyingly haute. But their relationship sets in motion a course of events and revelations that will cause Estella to embrace her wicked side and become the raucous, fashionable and revenge-bent Cruella.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 intensity comes from a child's traumatic orphaning, murder attempts, arson, perilous falls, criminal behavior, revenge, and a ruthless parent-child conflict, with some drinking and mild language. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character4/5
  • Frightening scenes4/5
  • Violence4/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity5/5
  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Positive messages3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising2/5
Why this rating?

Features iconic fashion and references to the 101 Dalmatians brand, though the film is not primarily a commercial vehicle.

Death of a character4/5
Why this rating?

The protagonist's mother is killed. The villain's husband dies of a broken heart, and there are repeated threats of death throughout the plot.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal gore. Some scenes involve implied danger and peril, but graphic wounds are not shown.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Some mild profanity and harsh insults consistent with the 'PG-13' rating.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

Artie is a recurring, queer-coded and gender-nonconforming supporting character, but LGBTQIA identity or relationships are not central to the plot.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance is not central; there is brief adult romantic interest and a character being smitten, while the story focuses on rivalry and family.

Frightening scenes4/5
Why this rating?

Sustained danger includes fatal cliffside falls, threatening dogs, kidnapping, imprisonment, a burning hideout, attempted murder, and frightening parental betrayal.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal. Some suggestive dialogue and flamboyant costuming, but no explicit sexual content.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Estella is described as drunkenly redecorating a display, indicating alcohol use; substance use is not a central theme.

Violence4/5
Why this rating?

Repeated criminal schemes, kidnapping, threats, imprisonment, arson, attempted murder, pushing from a balcony, and dangerous confrontations drive the plot.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Estella faces grief, abuse, imprisonment, public danger, and betrayal with considerable determination, though some actions are reckless and revenge-driven.

Creativity & curiosity5/5
Why this rating?

The film celebrates artistic expression, fashion design, and innovative problem-solving throughout.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Includes a somewhat diverse cast of supporting characters; however, the primary leads are white.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Highlights fashion history and the 1970s punk rock aesthetic.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and loyalty matter, and John protects Estella, but cruelty, manipulation, revenge, and exploitation are repeatedly central.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

The film values creativity, loyalty, and resisting abuse, but also glamorizes revenge, deception, crime, and a morally compromised antihero.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Estella is inventive and loyal to friends, but she lies, steals, manipulates others, and embraces a villainous identity; adult authority is often abusive.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Cruella would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Cruella, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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