Cruella

Year: 2021

Runtime: 134 min

Language: English

Director: Craig Gillespie

ActionThrillerComedyRomanceCrimeFamily

During the punk rock era in 1970s London, a young and ambitious con artist named Estella crosses paths with two resourceful thieves. Her unique sense of style attracts the attention of the mysterious Baroness von Hellman. This encounter sparks a series of events that reveal Estella's darker side and ultimately lead to her transformation into the infamous Cruella, a character known for her outrageous fashion and desire for revenge.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Cruella yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Cruella (2021) – Ending Explained & Final Scene Breakdown

Still thinking about how Cruella (2021) ended? Here’s a full breakdown of the ending, key final moments, major twists, and the deeper meaning behind the film’s conclusion.

In the end, it’s revealed that Estella, who later becomes Cruella, is actually the daughter of Baroness von Hellman, a wealthy fashion designer. Her true origins are uncovered when she finds her mother’s necklace, which leads her to discover that Baroness was responsible for her mother’s tragic death. The necklace also held the key to a hidden box containing the truth about her lineage. It turns out that Baroness wanted to kill her as a baby to secure her inheritance and had her caretaker, John, save her and hide her away. This revelation fuels Estella’s desire for revenge, transforming her into Cruella de Vil.

The climax reaches its peak at a charity event, where Baroness attempts to kill Estella by pushing her off a cliff—mirroring her mother’s death. However, Estella survives by using a dress turned into a parachute. Although everyone believes she’s dead, she orchestrates her comeback, taking control of her inheritance and her destiny. Before dying, Baroness is arrested, and Cruella inherits her fortune, establishing herself as the villain we know from the original stories.

The ending also hints at her future connections to the classic “101 Dalmatians” universe through the gift of two Dalmatian puppies named Pongo and Perdita, linking her story to the original novel. The scene where a Dalmatian swallows her necklace humorously references Cruella’s infamous hatred for Dalmatians. Overall, the film’s conclusion ties her tragic past to her ultimate transformation into the iconic, devilish Cruella de Vil.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 09:00

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Stylish Anti-Hero Origin Stories like Cruella

Witness the dramatic and flamboyant descent of a protagonist into stylish villainy.If you liked Cruella's journey from ambitious outsider to infamous fashion villain, you'll enjoy these movies. This thread gathers films with similar anti-hero origins, featuring dramatic transformations, high-stakes revenge, and a flair for the theatrical, perfect for fans of charismatic and complex characters.

theatricalvengefulambitiousstylishrebelliousmelodramaticconflictedempowering

Narrative Summary

The narrative centers on a protagonist's pivot from a conventional or aspirational path to one of calculated rebellion or outright villainy. This arc is typically sparked by a betrayal or a hidden truth, leading to a series of escalating confrontations that reveal the character's true, darker nature, culminating in their full embrace of a new, infamous identity.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on the 'villain's' perspective, blending dark themes with moments of dark comedy and triumph. They share a fast-paced, high-intensity energy driven by revenge or ambition, wrapped in a distinct visual and stylistic aesthetic that makes the descent into villainy feel empowering.

Revenge-Driven Fashion and Art World Dramas like Cruella

High-stakes heists and creative warfare set against the backdrop of glamorous industries.For viewers who loved the 1970s London punk fashion and creative revenge in Cruella, this thread features movies with similar settings. Discover films where ambitious characters use their artistic talents in high-stakes plots of rivalry and vengeance within glamorous, cutthroat industries.

stylishvengefultheatricalambitiousmelodramaticrebelliouscreativecunning

Narrative Summary

The plot revolves around a talented but wronged individual using their unique creative skills to orchestrate an elaborate revenge against a powerful rival within a specific industry. The conflict plays out through a series of public stunts or heists that are as much about artistic statement as they are about dismantling an opponent, leading to a bittersweet victory that redefines the protagonist.

Why These Movies?

These films are connected by their unique blend of a revenge narrative with a strong aesthetic component. The world of fashion or art is integral to the plot, not just a backdrop. They share a fast pace, a darkly comedic tone, and a focus on the transformative power of creativity used for ambitious, often morally grey, goals.

Unlock the Full Story of Cruella

Don't stop at just watching — explore Cruella in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Cruella is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Cruella Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Cruella, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Cruella Timeline

Track the full timeline of Cruella with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Cruella

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Cruella. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Cruella Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Cruella that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

More About Cruella

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Cruella: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

Similar Movies to Cruella

Discover movies like Cruella that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.