'The de Vil Wears Prada': Early 'Cruella' Reviews Proclaim Dark, 'Anti-Disney' Fun

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With the social media embargo lifted, critical reactions have begun pouring in for “Cruella,” Disney’s latest crack at adapting an animated classic into live-action, adult-ish fare.

According to the initial reviews, the origin story of fur-crazed villainess Cruella de Vil delivers on dark humor, ’70s punk glam and wickedly good performances.

“Cruella could be the biggest surprise of the summer. Bold, dark, & wonderfully anti-Disney. Emma Stone is perfection as Cruella,” Scott Menzel of WeLiveEntertainment wrote. “Hair & Makeup, Production Design & Costume Design are sure bets for Oscars noms. Paul Walter Hauser is terrific and Winks the dog is adorable.”

Cruella could be the biggest surprise of the summer. Bold, dark, & wonderfully anti-Disney. Emma Stone is perfection as Cruella. Hair & Makeup, Production Design & Costume Design are sure bets for Oscars noms. Paul Walter Hauser is terrific and Winks the dog is adorable. #Cruella pic.twitter.com/zPCdFXSGL3
— Scott Menzel (@ScottDMenzel) May 14, 2021

The positive vibes weren’t in short supply. Take a look below for more “Cruella” reactions.

#Cruella is absolutely divine. Deliciously devilish, wonderfully wicked, undeniably outrageous. Emma Stone & Emma Thompson are truly an iconic pairing & they play it to the hilt. Costume designer Jenny Beavan deserves 3rd billing. Plus, it’s got a killer soundtrack. @cruella pic.twitter.com/N5UFEnmSr1
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) May 14, 2021

I generally have 0 interest in live-action remakes and/or villain origin stories but… have seen #Cruella and it’s SO FRIGGIN GOOD. Slaps so hard my face is still beet-red a day later.

If Devil Wears Prada meets The Witches meets Death Becomes Her sounds like your jam, see it. pic.twitter.com/CqPsOHAJnG

— Joel Meares (@joelmeares) May 14, 2021

CRUELLA tells the origin story of one of Disney’s greatest villains with a 70s punk rock style, a splash of DC comic book madness & a lot of camp. Emma Stone & Emma Thompson tear into their roles with wicked charm while the costumes are to die for! The de Vil Wears Prada indeed! pic.twitter.com/E28Lhnup3s

— Matt Neglia @NYFF (@NextBestPicture) May 14, 2021

#Cruella is ICONIC. Emma Stone/Emma Thompson are a devious match whose performances test the boundaries of a Disney film. Add in the costumes (perfect), production design (perfect) + a 1-eyed dog w/ a pirate eye-patch (PERFECTION) and you got yourself some dark Disney magic. pic.twitter.com/OVTISRjCZZ
— Shannon | #FreePalestine 🇵🇸 (@shannon_mcgrew) May 14, 2021

#Cruella is a wickedly fun watch w/ amazing costumes & an epic soundtrack. Emma Stone and Emma Thompson are exceptionally evil & hilarious, and they make the movie memorable. Also, Paul Walter Hauser steals scenes, as he tends to do. It's like a Disneyfied DEVIL WEARS PRADA pic.twitter.com/dUSjlVlgsu
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) May 14, 2021

There are 2 queens in #Cruella. Emma Stone & Emma Thompson both shine in a battle of who is more wicked. Ridiculously entertaining, this story of my favorite Disney Villain, is a visual feast of 1970s London and high fashion. The film is too long, but I raise my glass to Cruella. pic.twitter.com/EokM9AHFCY
— Tania Lamb or Ms. Lambchops to Kevin Feige (@LolaLambchops) May 14, 2021

CRUELLA is spectacular fun. A bit long in the tooth at 2h 15m but loved Emmas Stone and Thompson chewing and gnashing at the scenery with glee. Gorgeously costumed by Jenny Beaven, an exciting score by Nicholas Britell and Paul Walter Hauser is absolutely hilarious. #Cruella

— Erik Anderson (@awards_watch) May 14, 2021