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My partner and I were eagerly anticipating Disney’s latest live-action film, “Cruella.” The trailer had piqued our interest; at last, we would discover the backstory of Cruella and understand her iconic evil laugh, reckless driving, and unique fashion sense. But was she really a villain intent on harming those cute Dalmatians? (I hoped not.)
Watching “Cruella” turned out to be much darker than we expected. Thankfully, we decided to view it together first, which was fortunate because if you’ve experienced any issues with your mother, “Cruella” may hit too close to home.
Fair warning: this article contains spoilers, so proceed at your own risk. Take a deep breath; here we go.
One Saturday night, we settled into our bed with a massive bowl of popcorn. The kids were already fast asleep, and we were finally able to unwind. Yes, we’re two adults enjoying a Disney movie on a weekend—what’s wrong with that? For those of us who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s with classics like “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” and “Beauty and the Beast,” Disney’s live-action films bring back the magic of our childhood.
The film begins on a light note. Estella is a bright, rebellious girl raised by a single mother. We see her sewing, but not quite following the pattern, showcasing her independent spirit. After getting kicked out of school for her mischievous antics, including fighting boys, her mother decides they need a fresh start in London. Before heading off, however, they stop to ask a friend for financial help, and Estella, of course, sneaks out of the car.
In classic Disney style, a glamorous ball, a storm, and a villain all appear. Estella’s life takes a tragic turn when her mother falls from a balcony. This scene is quite chilling, even for adults, but it’s not surprising; many Disney movies feature children losing a parent. Estella flees, believing her actions caused her mother’s death.
Things spiral from there. Estella makes two friends and, together, they engage in manipulation and theft, often donning fabulous disguises crafted by Estella. As she grows from a child to a young woman with a keen sense of style, she uses her fashion talents for dubious purposes. When she lands her dream job with The Baroness, she feels she’s finally charting her own course—until she discovers The Baroness’s true nature. Hint: she also hosted a ball with a balcony overlooking perilous waters. The Baroness is cold, dismissive, and gaslighting; she embodies the traits of a narcissist.
Estella’s journey becomes a dual one as she seeks revenge for her mother’s death. We see her alternate between her identity as a fashion designer and her darker persona, Cruella, who relentlessly undermines The Baroness. Cruella displays immense cleverness but also conversations with her deceased mother, reflecting her obsession with revenge. Ultimately, we witness Cruella teetering on the edge of self-destruction, culminating in a shocking revelation about her past.
The film is replete with themes of abandonment, trauma, deception, and loss. Mother-daughter relationships are complex; few women report having a harmonious connection with their mothers. Many women I know face strained—or entirely absent—relationships with the women who gave them life. These issues stem from various circumstances, choices, or simply incompatibility. Like Estella and Cruella, we can only evade our past for so long before it resurfaces. The saying goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
The movie also highlights that there isn’t always just one “villain” in these scenarios; both parties can bear responsibility. Most individuals do their best with what they have, but that doesn’t mean we should tolerate toxic relationships. If healthy boundaries fail to keep a relationship stable, sometimes it’s necessary to sever ties—even with one’s own mother. Does it feel like betrayal? Absolutely. Is it sometimes essential? Without a doubt.
While we often discuss daughters with “daddy issues,” we fail to address the reality of mothers who have let their children down, leaving them to navigate life alone. Estella attempted to break free from her mother’s shadow. She formed a new family with Horace and Jasper, worked hard to secure her dream career, and relied on her talents. Yet, ultimately, the void caused by her mother’s absence took a toll on her.
Motherhood wields great influence, often leading to profound pain. Many of us carry wounds that could have been avoided. What are we to do with these experiences? Some mothers abandoned us; others were emotionally distant or overly involved, while some were abusive or neglectful, and some have passed away. How do we handle that?
Cruella sought to carve her own path but inadvertently found herself on a trajectory too similar to her mother’s. From an outsider’s perspective, Cruella desperately needed therapy, someone to help her process her childhood trauma, set healthy boundaries, and channel her energy toward positive pursuits rather than destructive ones.
While “Cruella” is a fictional story, it poignantly reflects the complexities of mother-daughter dynamics and the fragility of those relationships. Before you snuggle up with your kids for family movie night, be aware that Cruella’s story is one of trauma and courageous honesty, which may resonate with some family members.
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Summary
In summary, Disney’s “Cruella” explores the dark themes of abandonment and trauma within mother-daughter relationships. The film serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in these dynamics and the potential for emotional pain. It also highlights the necessity of recognizing toxic relationships and the importance of setting boundaries, even with family.