Disney's latest live-action reimagining of their previous IP has been commended for its darker tone, but does that mean Cruella isn't as suitable for young children as its more Dalmatian puppy-oriented predecessors? The film received a PG-13 rating from the MPAA "for some violence and thematic elements." To understand just what this means, here's a breakdown of how those elements factor into the film.

In recent years, Disney has capitalized on the popularity of their back catalogue with live-action remakes of old IP. While many of these have been relatively unchanged in both story and target audience, some, like Maleficent (2014), have braved new narrative ground while using familiar characters and setting, resulting in more mature films aimed at older viewers. Disney's Cruella, an exploration into the backstory of the fashionably evil villain at the center of the 1961 animated film One Hundred and One Dalmatians and subsequent late-90s live-action remakes, walks the line between darker tone and subject matter, and light, fanciful, familiarity.

Related: How Cruella's Backstory Changes Turns The Disney Villain Into A Hero

Cruella doesn't concern itself as much with the fun canine antics of the original animated film, nor does it delight in the silliness of Glenn Close's delightfully campy Cruella DeVil like in 101 Dalmatians (1996). The film's violence is fairly bloodless, though a scene early on involving Estella/Cruella's mother may prove troubling for young viewers. The Dalmatians are, admittedly, quite fearsome in this sequence—a disturbing visual for kids who loved the spotted canines of the original film. The story is mostly crime-oriented, and Emma Stone gives an at-times intense performance as the titular madwoman. There are a few direct references to alcohol throughout. These all contribute to the film's darker tone as a more mature prequel that expands the fanciful universe of the original IP.

Cruella with ash on her face and messy hair, smiling

That being said, the film does offer a handful of elements directed at a younger audience. Children may see themselves in Emma Stone's portrayal of young Estella/Cruella, a precocious and creatively-misunderstood child struggling with school bullies. Paul Walter Houser provides delightful comedic relief as Horace, one of Estella's criminal running mates. His dog, Wink, lends the film some much-needed adorable dog sequences, along with his scruffy canine companion, Buddy, who belongs to Estella from her grade-school days.

Even if the film comes down decidedly on the "no, Cruella wouldn't skin Dalmatians for a coat" side of the animal cruelty subtext from the originals—a move aimed at making Estella more redeemable as a protagonist instead of a villain—it certainly earns its PG-13 rating. Ultimately, it's up to parents to discern whether they ought to take their children to see this darker reimagined adventure or stick to the animated classic available on Disney+. While Cruella offers a more intriguing live-action remake than most in the catalogue to-date, it does so, perhaps, at the cost of the original's appeal to children under 13.

Next: When Cruella Is Available To Watch For Free On Disney+