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My family and I were eagerly anticipating Disney’s newest live-action film, “Cruella.” The trailer was captivating, promising to reveal the true story behind Cruella, including the origins of her infamous evil laugh, her reckless driving, and her unique fashion sense. We wondered if, beneath her villainous exterior, there was more to her than just a desire for Dalmatian fur.
However, watching “Cruella” ended up being much darker than we expected. Thankfully, my partner and I viewed it first before deciding if it was suitable for our kids. If you have complicated feelings regarding your mother, “Cruella” may hit a little too close to home.
This article contains spoilers, so proceed with caution. Here we go.
One Saturday night, my partner and I settled into bed with a large bowl of popcorn, finally getting some downtime while our children slept. Yes, we’re adults watching a Disney film on a weekend—don’t judge! Disney live-action movies evoke a sense of nostalgia for those of us who grew up with classics like “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” Discovering the backstories behind these characters always brings back those joyful memories.
The film starts off on a light note. Estella is a bright, rebellious girl raised by a single mother. We see her sewing, but she’s not following the patterns her mother suggests, revealing her independent spirit. After getting expelled from school for various antics, including brawling with boys, her mother decides it’s time for a fresh start in London. However, they must first stop to seek financial help from a friend, where Estella sneaks out of the car.
Following classic Disney tropes, we’re introduced to a glamorous ball, a storm, and, of course, a villain. Estella’s life takes a tragic turn when her mother falls from a balcony, leading to her becoming an orphan. While this scene is quite intense for adults, it’s a familiar theme in Disney films—children losing their parents. Estella, believing she is responsible for her mother’s death, is left to fend for herself.
Things spiral downward as Estella befriends two companions; together, they engage in theft while showcasing Estella’s remarkable fashion skills. As she grows into a talented fashion designer, she finally feels a sense of autonomy. Yet everything unravels when she discovers The Baroness, her boss, is connected to her past. This cold and dismissive woman embodies traits many would label as narcissistic.
Estella’s character evolves into a dual identity, as she seeks vengeance for her mother’s demise. She oscillates between being Estella, the designer, and Cruella, who plots against The Baroness. Cruella’s cleverness is matched by her descent into madness, as she converses with her deceased mother while obsessively scheming. Ultimately, we witness Cruella teetering on the edge of self-destruction, and a shocking revelation about her history comes to light.
The film explores themes of abandonment, trauma, and grief, illustrating that mother-daughter dynamics can be incredibly complex. Many women I know don’t have perfect relationships with their mothers; instead, they often grapple with unresolved issues or estrangement. Like Estella-Cruella, we can only escape our past for so long before it resurfaces. The saying goes, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
The narrative also highlights that there can be multiple “villains” in a relationship; both parties can carry faults. While we all strive to do our best, sometimes radical acceptance is necessary for our relationships. This doesn’t mean we should endure toxic connections. When boundaries aren’t enough to maintain a healthy relationship, it may lead to necessary breakups—even with one’s own mother. Does it feel like betrayal? Yes, but it can also be essential.
We often discuss “daddy issues” but overlook the impact of mothers who fail to meet their children’s emotional needs, leaving them to navigate life alone. Estella attempts to liberate herself from her mother’s shadow by forming a new family with her friends and relying on her talents. Yet, the absence of her mother becomes a profound void.
Motherhood is a powerful force that can inflict significant pain, and many of us carry unresolved wounds. What do we do with that? Some mothers abandon their children, while others are emotionally distant or overly involved, abusive, or negligent. What do we do with these realities?
Cruella strives for independence but ends up following a path reminiscent of her mother’s darkness. From an outside perspective, Estella-Cruella needed professional help to process her childhood trauma, establish healthy boundaries, and channel her energies positively.
While “Cruella” is a fictional film with a somewhat hopeful conclusion, it realistically depicts the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships and their lasting impact. Before you gather your family for a movie night, consider that Cruella’s story delves into trauma and raw truths, potentially triggering for some family members. For more insights on motherhood and family dynamics, check out this blog post here, and if you’re looking for reliable resources on at-home insemination, this site offers excellent information.
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In summary, Disney’s “Cruella” serves as a poignant exploration of the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, revealing how past traumas can shape our identities and choices. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own familial dynamics, highlighting the importance of understanding and addressing deep-seated issues while navigating the challenges that arise from them.
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