Cruella

If you loved

Cruella

Craig Gillespie · Film · 2021

If you loved Cruella, you likely crave stories about charismatic underdogs who use wit, style, and calculated deception to dismantle oppressive systems.

Books on the same thread

Cover Story

Cover Story

Susan Rigetti · Book · 2022

Like Cruella, this story centers on a young woman navigating high-stakes environments where ambition and deception collide, forcing her to rely on her own ingenuity to survive.

The Midwife's Apprentice

The Midwife's Apprentice

Karen Cushman · Book · 1995

Just as Cruella finds her footing through a mentorship that shapes her future, this story captures the transformative power of a young woman entering a challenging new profession.

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes

Suzanne Collins · Book · 2023

You will recognize the same moral ambiguity found in Cruella as this narrative explores how a young, hungry individual uses their intellect to climb toward power and influence.

A Visit from the Goon Squad

A Visit from the Goon Squad

Jennifer Egan · Book · 2011

The complex, non-linear exploration of the music industry mirrors the way Cruella dissects the fashion world, highlighting how past choices define the trajectory of a creative life.

Series on the same thread

Brassic

Brassic

Daniel Brocklehurst · Series · 2019

This show echoes the rebellious spirit of Cruella, focusing on working-class friends who reject societal expectations by using their collective wit to pull off clever, unconventional schemes.

Hustle

Hustle

Tony Jordan · Series · 2004

If you enjoyed the intricate heists in Cruella, you will appreciate this group of London con artists who prioritize teamwork and clever deception to outsmart their wealthy targets.

Dirty Scams

Dirty Scams

Series · 2025

These stories of clever women using their smarts to succeed in a high-stakes world reflect the same empowerment and calculated grifting that defined Cruella’s rise to prominence.

The Nevers

The Nevers

Joss Whedon · Series · 2021

Set against a similar Victorian-inspired London backdrop, this series features social outcasts with unique abilities who refuse to be suppressed, much like the defiant protagonist of Cruella.

Podcasts on the same thread

CounterClock

CounterClock

Audiochuck · Podcast · 2025

The investigative drive to uncover hidden truths in this podcast mirrors the obsessive quest for answers that fuels the narrative tension and character development within Cruella.

Crime Junkie

Crime Junkie

Audiochuck · Podcast · 2026

If you were captivated by the dark secrets and unraveling mysteries in Cruella, this podcast provides a similar deep dive into the truth behind complex, infamous crime stories.

Keep exploring

Common questions

Is Cruella set in the modern day?

No, Cruella is not set in the modern day. The film takes place in 1970s London, capturing the atmosphere of the punk rock revolution during the early years of Estella's career as she begins her journey to make a name for herself in the fashion world.

What is the primary profession of Estella in Cruella?

In Cruella, Estella is a young grifter who aspires to be a fashion designer. She eventually catches the attention of the fashion legend Baroness von Hellman after her unique flair for design becomes apparent while she is living on the streets of London.

Does Estella work alone in Cruella?

No, Estella does not work alone in Cruella. She befriends a pair of young thieves who share her appetite for mischief. Together, the three of them build a life for themselves on the streets of London while Estella pursues her passion for fashion design.

Who directs the movie Cruella?

The movie Cruella is directed by Craig Gillespie. The film follows the story of a young grifter named Estella who navigates the 1970s London punk rock scene and attempts to establish her own reputation within the fashion industry under the influence of the Baroness von Hellman.

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