Disney's live action Cruella is rated PG-13……..but is it scary? Can kids watch it? This no spoilers Cruella review will help you decide!

Let's talk about Disney's Cruella.  This is a HIGHLY anticipated release, in fact…..I've been looking forward to it since we saw sneak peeks at D23 almost two years ago.  I love love love that we are getting a glimpse into one of my favorite Disney Villains.  Plus, from what we saw back then, the film looked visually STUNNING.  And the costumes I spotted? SOLD ME.

As more trailers released, I started to wonder……was this a kids' movie? Cruella comes with a PG-13 rating.  Would my 101 Dalmations loving kid be watching this one with me? Or was it for adults?

I've seen Cruella (twice actually) and have a lot of thoughts about WHO this movie is appropriate for and WHY it's a must see.

Is Cruella Too Scary for Kids? Read this Review Before You Decide!

How Scary is Cruella's Character? This film is the pre-quel to 101 Dalmations , the back story to Cruella's character in the original film.  We trace her life from childhood to adulthood and into her twenties.  Is she SCARY? No.  Do we see some experiences that lead to her becoming a villain? Yes we do.  If anything, this film made me have more empathy for Cruella's character.

“It was really important to me that this  was not black and white.  Obviously no pun intended there with Cruella.  But I wanted there to be this gray area and be able to empathize with the choices that she was making.  And the situations that she was  responding to.  And I wanted to do it in a way that was really fun.” -CRAIG GILLESPIE (director)

But is the movie DARK? How heavy are Cruella's experiences?

I can see WHY Cruella is rated PG-13.  While the film isn't SCARY, I think it's important to specify in this Cruella review that you do see mature themes and experiences (loss of a parent, poverty, verbal abuse).  After watching it on my own, I was definitely fine with my seven year old watching it.  These were themes she had seen in movies previously, and were portrayed in a clearly fictional way.  Visually the movie is stunning and saturated, making it look like a fantasy.  It's very clear to children that this is a MOVIE and not reality.

“I think it's definitely dark for a Disney movie.  Maybe not for, like, a really intense kind of R-rated film. “ – Emma Stone

My thoughts? If your child loves villains, then they'll love this film.

What about for adults? What is YOUR Cruella review?

I LOVED THIS MOVIE.  The costumes, the makeup, the soundtrack, the edge.  It's hip, beautifully made, and I want more villain prestories (we've got Maleficient too…..so now, I'm wondering what's next?) Emma Stone does an amazing job making us LOVE her character, and by the end? I was truly empathetic to her.

So the conclusion of my Cruella review? WATCH IT.  It's amazing.

CRUELLA debuts in theatres and on Disney+ with Premier Access starting May 28th