103 Dalmatians (2025)

The notorious Cruella DeVil is back, and this time, her obsession with Dalmatian puppies is more intense than ever before. 103 Dalmatians marks the thrilling return of the fur-obsessed fashion villain, played once again by the legendary Glenn Close. Fans of the 1996 film 101 Dalmatians will be delighted to see Close reprise her iconic role, and this time, Cruella’s return is nothing short of explosive.

The movie opens with Cruella’s dramatic release from prison. After serving her time for previous crimes, including a botched plan to skin puppies for fashion, she presents herself as a reformed individual. In fact, she even goes so far as to claim that she has left her villainous ways behind. But as any fan of the character knows, this is just a carefully constructed facade. Her “rehabilitation” is short-lived, and it only takes one small sighting—a new litter of Dalmatian puppies—for her deepest, darkest obsession to rise to the surface once more.

Cruella’s desire for the Dalmatian’s unique spotted fur is reignited, but this time, she’s not going to attempt anything as foolish as she did in the past. This time, she has a new partner—one with as much ambition and ruthlessness as she has. Gérard Depardieu joins the cast as a wealthy and powerful fashion mogul, the perfect companion for Cruella’s high-society schemes. Together, they form a formidable duo, plotting to capture the precious Dalmatian puppies and turn them into the latest fashion trend.

However, there’s a new twist in the story. Standing in their way is a brave and determined man, played by Ioan Gruffudd. His character is a selfless protector who will stop at nothing to ensure the safety of the puppies. Gruffudd’s character is the polar opposite of Cruella and her new partner, a man of integrity and compassion, determined to keep the innocent puppies safe from their clutches. His heroic journey serves as the perfect counterbalance to Cruella’s increasingly wild and twisted schemes.

As the story unfolds, 103 Dalmatians becomes a riotous adventure filled with colorful moments, witty dialogue, and heartwarming displays of loyalty between humans and their canine companions. The film’s playful yet dark humor makes it an enjoyable ride for audiences of all ages. The puppy-filled chaos is brought to life with dazzling visual effects, and each scene bursts with vibrancy and charm. The movie’s aesthetics playfully mimic the eccentric world of fashion and the fast-paced lifestyle that Cruella inhabits, offering viewers a visual feast that matches the craziness of the plot.

The setting itself, mostly based in the heart of the fashion world in London, provides the perfect backdrop for this larger-than-life adventure. The glitzy, high-society atmosphere contrasts sharply with the downtrodden and gritty world that Gruffudd’s character inhabits, offering a powerful juxtaposition between wealth and poverty, ambition and humility. The contrast between the two worlds not only provides visual excitement but also strengthens the core message of the film: greed and vanity are hollow pursuits, whereas selflessness and love offer real meaning.

Cruella’s obsession with Dalmatian puppies is shown as both darkly comedic and terrifyingly relentless. The film takes the traditional “villain chasing puppies” storyline and twists it into a more complex narrative, with each of the characters bringing their own agendas to the table. While Cruella’s obsession is clear and understandable given her past, the film delves deeper into her psyche, offering glimpses of vulnerability beneath her cruel exterior. It is these moments of humanity that make her character all the more tragic. She may be an iconic villain, but she’s not without depth, and 103 Dalmatians invites the audience to ask themselves: What truly drives this character, and is there any hope for redemption?

As the story unfolds, the dynamic between Cruella and her new partner becomes central to the plot. Gérard Depardieu’s character is not just a wealthy mogul; he’s a man who sees potential in Cruella’s crazed ambitions and is willing to support her in her latest scheme. Together, they create a whirlwind of chaos, combining their resources and talents to capture the Dalmatian puppies. Their relationship is built on mutual obsession and desire for control, and their partnership adds an extra layer of unpredictability to the story.

However, their plans are consistently thwarted by Gruffudd’s character, whose unwavering dedication to the puppies stands as a moral contrast to Cruella’s manipulations. The stakes are raised as the story progresses, with each action sequence becoming more intense and thrilling. The film carefully balances moments of high-tension action with lighthearted dog-centric comedy, creating a perfect blend of excitement and warmth. The puppies themselves are, of course, a central part of the movie, their playful antics adding a sense of joy and innocence to the otherwise dark plot.

Despite the high stakes, 103 Dalmatians never loses its sense of humor. The script is full of witty one-liners, clever visual gags, and absurd scenarios that play into the movie’s overall tone of exaggerated fun. Cruella’s antics, from elaborate costume changes to her extravagant plans, add a layer of comedic absurdity to the proceedings. At the same time, the movie explores the themes of redemption, loyalty, and the importance of family—both human and animal. It’s a film that reminds viewers that even in the most bizarre and chaotic of circumstances, love and compassion always prevail.

One of the highlights of 103 Dalmatians is its incredible visual flair. The costumes, the set design, and the vibrant color palette contribute to the film’s whimsical atmosphere, creating a world that’s both visually stunning and emotionally engaging. The movie is filled with lush, eye-catching shots that make every scene a treat to watch, particularly when focusing on the Dalmatian puppies themselves. Their adorable faces and playful interactions with the human characters bring heart to the film, providing a counterpoint to the darker elements of the story.

The performances of the lead actors also deserve special mention. Glenn Close, as always, shines in her portrayal of Cruella. Her ability to embody the villain with both menace and humor is what makes her performance so memorable. Depardieu’s fashion mogul adds a certain charm to the villainous duo, balancing the madness with his own flair. Meanwhile, Gruffudd brings heart and soul to his role, playing the selfless protector with a sincerity that resonates with the audience.

In conclusion, 103 Dalmatians is a thrilling, heartwarming, and darkly comic film that will delight viewers of all ages. It captures the essence of the original 101 Dalmatians while introducing fresh characters and exciting new dynamics. It’s a perfect mix of adventure, humor, and emotional depth, making it a must-watch for fans of the original movie and newcomers alike. The film’s message about the importance of family, love, and loyalty shines through, making it a truly memorable experience that will stay with audiences long after the credits roll. With unforgettable performances, stunning visuals, and a plot full of twists and turns, 103 Dalmatians proves that sometimes, the spots are worth fighting for.