Release Date: March 21, 2025
Directed By: Marc Webb
Written By: Erin Cressida Wilson
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Gal Gadot, Andrew Burnap, Ansu Kabia, Patrick Page, Andrew Barth Feldman, Tituss Burgess, Martin Klebba, Jason Kravits, George Salazar, Jeremy Swift
Rating: PG for violence, some peril, thematic elements and brief rude humor
Runtime: 109 minutes
It’s fair to assert that Disney’s 1937 release, Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs, marked a monumental beginning for the studio. This inaugural full-length feature heralded an era that Disney embraces even today, 88 years later – evident in both animated films and the six actresses who have taken on the role of Disney Princesses in live-action adaptations over the last decade. With Snow White now being the latest tale to be reimagined, many are eager to discover how Rachel Zegler’s portrayal measures up in the realm of fairest of them all.
As a passionate fan of Disney Princess films during my childhood, I must admit that Snow White was not one I frequently watched on VHS compared to others. Thus, it’s unexpected for me to declare that the remake enchanted me with its wholesome escapism, reminding me why fairytales are revisited by each generation – particularly thanks to Rachel Zegler’s remarkable casting.
Directed by Marc Webb, known for (500) Days Of Summer and The Amazing Spider-Man, with a screenplay by Erin Cressida Wilson from The Girl On The Train, the film is yet another entry in Disney’s trend of transforming animated classics into live-action spectacles. However, this adaptation feels responsive to previous fans’ critiques, avoiding the trap of mere imitation of the source material. Instead, it offers an enjoyable combination of homage and a largely satisfying new musical that enhances Snow White’s Disney legacy.
Unlike other reinterpretations of Snow White and modern portrayals of heroines, which often transform leading ladies into action-oriented figures or “I don’t need a man” tropes, Snow White adeptly modernizes its protagonist while remaining faithful to her original essence. From her harrowing journey through the dark woods to the classic true love’s kiss, Snow White’s defining characteristics—her purity and kindness—remain profoundly impactful as she interacts with others. Portraying “niceness” could easily come off as disingenuous, but Zegler brings depth to Snow White’s gentle disposition, effectively crafting a timeless “good triumphs over evil” narrative for viewers.
Snow isn’t waiting for a prince; she encounters a charming thief named Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), whose appearance echoes that of Snow White’s classic love interest and embodies a blend of a humble Robin Hood with Tangled’s Flynn Rider. Their enchanting chemistry remains at the film’s core, serving as one of its delightful surprises.
On another note, the seven dwarfs are undeniably cute and slightly unsettling in their character design, drawing inspiration from the original animation rather than adopting a realistic approach. They are somewhat secondary to the evolving relationship between Snow White and Jonathan, as well as the dynamic with the Evil Queen. Dopey receives the most attention, with his storyline being particularly endearing.
The music in Snow White shines, largely due to Rachel Zegler’s captivating charm.
Rather than attempting to juggle multiple themes, Snow White embraces its identity as a fairytale and a musical. Viewers shouldn’t expect to hear most of the original’s songs, such as “With A Smile And A Song” or “Someday My Prince Will Come.” The production retains only two beloved tracks from the classic – “Whistle While You Work” and “Heigh-Ho” – while introducing five new compositions along with several reprises, ensuring it forges its own unique experience.
After viewing the film, I found myself humming the new “I want” number “Waiting On A Wish” alongside the cherished classics, with a couple of new favorites that beckon for a revisit. Specifically, I adored the songs tied to Snow White’s romance with Jonathan. In one humorous track, “Princess Problems,” Jonathan amusingly critiques Snow’s naivety, while “A Hand Meets A Hand,” co-written with Lizzy McAlpine, beautifully enhances their connection, drawing parallels to the romantic essence found in Tangled’s “I See The Light.”
While Gal Gadot effectively captures the essence of the Evil Queen at times, her performance feels uneven, with the song “All Is Fair” being the most skippable and tonally mismatched sequence in the film. Gadot walks a fine line between crafting one of Disney’s most iconic villains and attempting a more playful evil for younger audiences. Thanks to the breathtaking costuming by Sandy Powell (who also designed for 2015’s Cinderella), it’s hard to look away from Gadot’s fierce Evil Queen, yet I wonder how much stronger her performance could resonate if delivered by a skilled vocalist to match Zegler’s Broadway-ready talent.
Marc Webb directs a vibrant live-action remake that pays homage yet harbors a certain stiffness.
Disney’s past remakes often faced criticism for their darker, brooding visuals compared to their originals, but Marc Webb’s Snow White showcases a light, breezy aesthetic that is refreshing. The production leans heavily on computer-generated graphics, particularly with characters like the dwarves and woodland creatures. While the visual choices may struggle to compete with the artistry of the classic, the CGI animals are simply delightful, thanks to the work of the visual effects teams.
Webb and his team do a commendable job of incorporating several iconic shots from the original (such as Snow White’s fall after taking a bite of the apple), but there are tonal inconsistencies in the live-action musical segments that can feel formulaic. Some musical numbers come across as overly staged and Broadway-like, contrasting with the general flow of the narrative. Consequently, the film occasionally feels like it’s mechanically moving from scene to song rather than progressing organically through its storyline.
Early in this iteration of Snow White, Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen remarks on something like “I don’t remember you being this opinionated,” which encapsulates the essence of Disney’s retelling. For purists, all the familiar elements of the original story remain intact; however, Snow White possesses more agency and narrative depth this time. While I, like many, have become frustrated with the studio’s inclination to recycle old material for major releases, I was pleasantly surprised that Snow White turned out to be the Disney remake I never knew I wanted. Although the film isn’t without its imperfections, it ultimately serves as a delightful update for a fresh generation of Disney fans.
