“Snow White” good, Rachel Zegler great!
TOP 5 TAKEAWAYS
5. Long and Challenging Production Journey
The live-action Snow White has had a notably difficult road to the big screen, with production beginning in 2022 but pre-production dating all the way back to 2016. This extended development period is unusual even for Disney’s recent string of live-action adaptations, suggesting that the studio took extra care in handling such an iconic property. Given that the 1937 original Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was Disney’s first feature-length animated film and laid the foundation for the entire company, expectations for a live-action version were exceptionally high. Despite various delays, controversies, and the weight of legacy looming over the project, director Marc Webb and his team have delivered a film that, while not perfect, manages to be a compelling and enjoyable reimagining of a beloved classic.
4. Balancing Nostalgia with New Elements
One of the most delicate challenges of adapting Snow White for modern audiences was striking the right balance between paying homage to the original and introducing fresh ideas. The film does this by incorporating reimagined versions of Frank Churchill and Larry Morey’s classic songs alongside original compositions by Oscar-winning duo Pasek and Paul. This musical blend helps bridge the gap between past and present, offering both nostalgia and novelty. The film also mixes faithful recreations of iconic moments with entirely new storylines and themes, which sometimes results in a slightly disjointed narrative. While some changes work exceptionally well, others may feel like unnecessary departures. Nevertheless, this adaptation is more than just a shot-for-shot remake—it actively seeks to expand the story in meaningful ways, making it both a tribute to the past and a product of modern storytelling.
3. Visual and Tonal Inconsistencies
The film’s visual presentation is one of its more divisive aspects, with certain sequences showcasing breathtaking production design and others suffering from an over-reliance on CGI. The introduction of the seven dwarves is a particularly glaring example, as the heavy digital effects make the scene feel artificial and disconnected from the rest of the film. The sequence, despite being anchored by an exciting reinterpretation of Heigh-Ho, is visually cluttered and awkward, resembling a PlayStation 3-era video game rather than a high-budget live-action film. Similarly, Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen is a mixed bag. While her performance lacks subtlety and leans into exaggerated villainy, the film embraces this over-the-top approach, turning it into a form of campy entertainment. Rather than toning her performance down, the filmmakers seem to have intentionally chosen the most theatrical takes, making her portrayal feel almost self-aware. Though this heightened style may not work for everyone, it ultimately adds to the film’s unique and sometimes chaotic energy.
2. Rachel Zegler’s Star Power
Without a doubt, Rachel Zegler’s performance is the film’s greatest strength. After gaining widespread recognition in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Zegler once again proves her remarkable talent, bringing a perfect blend of warmth, emotion, and vocal excellence to the role of Snow White. Her ability to transition from delicate falsettos to powerful belting makes her an ideal performer for Pasek and Paul’s compositions, much in the way Ben Platt carried Dear Evan Hansen on Broadway. The filmmakers wisely choose to showcase her talents by staging many of her musical moments in long, uninterrupted shots, allowing the audience to fully experience her performance rather than relying on quick-cut editing. This approach gives the film a sense of theatricality, making it feel as though viewers are watching a live performance. Zegler’s authenticity and charisma breathe life into the character, making her the emotional anchor of the film and solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most promising young stars.
1. A Thematically Rich Adaptation
While many live-action Disney remakes rely on elaborate action sequences to heighten their finales, Snow White takes a different approach, opting for a more intimate and character-driven climax. The film’s screenplay, credited to Erin Cressida Wilson with uncredited contributions from Greta Gerwig and others, adds depth to the characters in a way that enhances the themes of self-discovery, resilience, and empowerment. The film takes time to develop Snow White’s backstory, filling in gaps that the original left to audience interpretation. While this level of exposition may not be necessary for all viewers, the film’s strongest narrative additions come from its thematic storytelling, particularly through its use of music. The new and recontextualized songs serve a purpose beyond just being musical numbers—they actively contribute to the character arcs and overall message of the story. The climax of the film is a refreshing departure from traditional Disney finales, focusing on an emotional confrontation rather than an action-packed battle. This decision allows Snow White to stand apart from other remakes and reinforces the film’s commitment to crafting a meaningful, character-centric story.
RGM GRADE
(C+)
Overall, Snow White is certainly not without its faults. However, it is very much a case of the whole proving far more than the sum of its parts. It’s occasionally bumpy and uneven, with some perplexing creative choices and groan-inducing digital visual choices. But it’s also a surprisingly resonant, invested, and cohesive work that is ultimately an ode to earnestness, empathy, and the power that a good old-fashioned fairy tale can still hold.
