My family and I were excited to see Disney’s new live-action film, “Cruella.” The trailer caught our attention, teasing a deeper understanding of Cruella’s character, her iconic laugh, her reckless driving, and her unique fashion sense. And what about those Dalmatians? I really hoped she wasn’t after them for their fur.
The experience of watching “Cruella” turned out to be much darker than we anticipated. Thankfully, my partner and I viewed it together first to decide whether it was appropriate for our children. It was a good thing we did, because if you have unresolved issues with your mom, “Cruella” could hit a nerve.
This article will contain some spoilers, so proceed with caution if you want to avoid them. Ready? Let’s dive in.
A Movie Night to Remember
On a Saturday night, we settled into bed with a big bowl of popcorn, as our kids slept soundly. Yes, we are adults enjoying a Disney film on a weekend—what of it? For those of us who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s with classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “The Lion King,” Disney live-action films hold a special kind of nostalgia.
The movie opens with Estella, a bright and rebellious girl raised by a single mother. We see her sewing, disregarding patterns as she demonstrates her individuality. After getting expelled from school for her antics, Estella and her mother head to London for a fresh start, but not before stopping to ask a friend for financial help. Naturally, Estella sneaks out of the car.
In true Disney fashion, we encounter a glamorous ball, a storm, and a villain. Estella becomes an orphan when her mother tragically falls from a balcony. This shocking scene is unsettling, even for adults. But it’s not surprising, considering that most Disney films involve a child losing a parent. Estella runs away, believing she caused her mother’s death.
The Darker Themes
Things spiral from there. Estella befriends two thieves, and together they use her fashion skills for their nefarious activities. When Estella lands a job as a designer for The Baroness, she finally feels like she’s on her own path. But this turns sour when she discovers The Baroness’s true nature. A cold and dismissive figure, The Baroness is a classic gaslighter, embodying traits we might label as narcissistic in today’s world.
Estella begins to adopt a dual identity, seeking revenge for her mother’s death. In certain scenes, she’s the fashion designer Estella, while in others, she transforms into the vengeful Cruella, gradually undermining The Baroness. It’s a rollercoaster ride of clever schemes, but we also witness Cruella’s struggles with her past, including conversations with her deceased mother. Ultimately, she teeters on the edge of self-destruction, with a shocking revelation about her origins.
The film is rich with themes of abandonment, trauma, and grief. Mother-daughter relationships are rarely uncomplicated. Many women I know have strained ties with their mothers, if they have any relationship at all. Sometimes, it’s circumstances; other times, it’s choices or simply a lack of compatibility. Like Estella, we can only run from our past for so long before it catches up with us. After all, the saying goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
Navigating Toxic Relationships
The movie also highlights that there can be multiple “villains” in a relationship, as both parties can contribute to the dysfunction. While we all strive to do our best, it may require radical acceptance of others to navigate these relationships. However, this doesn’t mean we should tolerate toxicity. If setting boundaries doesn’t stabilize the relationship, sometimes a breakup is necessary—even if it’s with a parent. Does it feel like a betrayal? Yes. Is it sometimes crucial? Absolutely.
We often hear about daughters with “daddy issues,” but we seldom discuss the impact of mothers who don’t show up as they should, leaving their children to navigate challenges alone. Estella sought to escape her mother’s influence, forming a new family with her friends and working hard to succeed. Yet, without her mother, she felt incomplete.
Motherhood carries immense power, capable of causing significant pain. Many of us carry wounds that could have been prevented. How do we deal with these? Some mothers abandon their children, while others are emotionally unavailable or abusive. What do we make of that?
While Cruella tried to carve her own path, she ended up echoing her mother’s darker traits. From an outsider’s perspective, it’s clear she needed professional help to process her childhood trauma.
Final Thoughts
Although “Cruella” is a fictional story with a somewhat hopeful conclusion, it realistically portrays the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics and their profound impact. Before you settle in for a family movie night, be aware that Cruella’s narrative is filled with trauma and hard truths that might resonate with some viewers.
For more insights on navigating these relationships, you might find this blog post interesting. Also, check out this authoritative resource on the subject.
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In summary, “Cruella” serves as a poignant reminder of the intricate and sometimes painful ties between mothers and daughters, making it a film that may resonate deeply with those who have experienced toxic dynamics in their relationships.