Craig Gillespie has a knack for bringing unexpected energy to familiar stories, most notably with Cruella, where he reimagined the iconic villain through a stylish, punk-infused lens. His direction injects a darkly comic edge that turns an origin story into something sharp and visually distinct. Gillespie’s work on I, Tonya also stands out, capturing the chaotic charisma of Tonya Harding with a mix of humor and grit that defies typical sports biopics. Collaborating with strong performances and a dynamic visual style, Gillespie shapes characters who are complex and unpredictable, making his films feel fresh and compelling even within familiar genres.