Disney’s live-action Snow White has been plagued by controversy since its announcement—accusations of “woke” casting, backlash over the dwarfs, and skepticism about whether the world needed another remake. Now that the film is here, the truth is far less dramatic: Snow White (2025) is… fine. Not groundbreaking, not a disaster—just a perfectly pleasant, visually lush retelling that does little to offend or amaze.
A Familiar Tale, With Minor Tweaks
Director Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man) doesn’t reinvent the wheel here. The bones of the 1937 animated classic remain intact: a kind-hearted princess, a vain and wicked queen, a poisoned apple, and a band of quirky companions. But screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson (The Girl on the Train) makes some modern adjustments:
- No damsel-in-distress tropes. Snow White (Rachel Zegler) doesn’t need a prince to save her—though romance still plays a role.
- Her name is no longer about her skin tone. Instead, she’s named for the blizzard she was born in (a change that somehow feels more Disney-fied).
- Consent is emphasized. The prince (here played by Bridgerton’s Martin Sensmeier) must earn his true love’s kiss.
These updates are harmless, if a bit perfunctory. The story still follows the expected beats, just stretched with new songs and a few extra subplots (including a backstory for Snow’s father, played by Hadley Fraser).
Rachel Zegler Shines as Snow White
Zegler, who stole hearts as Maria in Spielberg’s West Side Story, brings warmth and determination to the role. This Snow White isn’t just a passive dreamer—she’s frustrated by her forced servitude, yet still hopeful. Her musical numbers (courtesy of The Greatest Showman’s Pasek & Paul) are solid, if not instant classics. “Waiting on a Wish” is sweet but forgettable, while “All is Fair” (Gal Gadot’s villain anthem) is a campy, over-the-top delight.
Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen: Campy, Glamorous Fun
If Zegler is the film’s heart, Gadot is its glittering, scenery-chewing soul. Her Evil Queen struts in extravagant Sandy Powell gowns, dripping with jewels and malice. She’s having so much fun—less regal menace, more drag queen extravagance. It’s a performance that borders on ridiculous, but in a way that fits Disney’s heightened fantasy world.
The Dwarf Debacle: Disney’s Biggest Misstep
The most controversial (and weakest) part of the film? The dwarfs—or rather, the “magical creatures.” Fearful of criticism, Disney avoided casting actors with dwarfism or using prosthetics, instead creating CGI-animated companions. The result? Uncanny, weightless figures who feel like rejects from The Polar Express.
They’re given names (Doc, Grumpy, etc.) but little personality beyond their archetypes. Jonathan Swift’s Doc is endearing, and Andrew Barth Feldman’s Dopey gets a few cute moments, but most fade into the background. It’s a baffling choice—neither progressive nor nostalgic, just awkward.
A Gorgeous (If Artificial) Fantasy World
Visually, Snow White is a feast. After the drab realism of The Lion King remakes, it’s refreshing to see a Disney film embrace its fairy-tale absurdity. The kingdom glows in golden hues, the animals are charmingly anthropomorphic, and Gadot’s costumes are pure fantasy excess.
That said, nothing feels real—not the forests, not the castle, not even the actors at times. It’s all so polished that it lacks texture, like a theme park version of a fairy tale.
Final Verdict: Harmless, If Unnecessary
Snow White (2025) won’t convert Disney remake skeptics, nor will it outrage traditionalists as much as predicted. It’s a middle-of-the-road effort—pretty, well-cast, and occasionally fun, but too safe to leave a lasting impression.
Rating: 3/5
✅ Pros:
- Rachel Zegler is a delightful Snow White.
- Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen is gloriously camp.
- Gorgeous production design and costumes.
- A few catchy new songs.
❌ Cons:
- The CGI dwarfs are a misfire.
- Lacks the emotional depth of the original.
- Some modern tweaks feel tacked-on.
Who Will Like It?
- Families with young kids.
- Fans of Zegler or Gadot.
- Those who enjoy Disney’s live-action remakes when they don’t overthink them.
Who Should Skip It?
- Purists who hate any changes to the original.
- Viewers exhausted by Disney’s remake trend.
- Anyone expecting a bold new take on the story.
In the end, Snow White is neither a poisoned apple nor the fairest of them all—just a decently made, inoffensive retelling. If that’s enough for you, it’s worth a watch. If not? Well, the 1937 version isn’t going anywhere.