Review: Snow White (2025 Live-Action Adaptation)

Disney’s latest live-action remake, Snow White (2025), directed by Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer, The Amazing Spider-Man), attempts to modernize the classic 1937 animated film with mixed results. Starring Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) as Snow White and Gal Gadot (Wonder Woman) as the Evil Queen, the film delivers stunning visuals and strong performances but struggles with narrative cohesion and tonal inconsistencies.

Strengths:

Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen – Gadot steals the show with her magnetic presence, blending regal elegance and chilling menace. Her rendition of "Magic Mirror" is a standout, though the film underuses her villainy.

Rachel Zegler’s Charm – Zegler brings warmth and agency to Snow White, though the script’s attempts to "fix" her passiveness sometimes feel forced. Her singing (especially "I’m Wishing") is flawless.

Production Design & Costumes – The film is visually sumptuous, with lush fairy-tale landscapes and intricate costumes. The Queen’s gothic castle and the dwarfs’ cottage are highlights.

Diversity & Modern Tweaks – The racially diverse cast (including the dwarfs) and Snow White’s empowerment arc (she dreams of ruling as queen) are welcome updates.

Weaknesses:

Tonal Whiplash – The film wobbles between dark fantasy, campy humor, and Disney’s trademark sweetness. A jarring musical number with CGI animals feels out of place.

Underdeveloped Dwarfs – The dwarfs (now a mix of genders/ethnicities) lack individuality, reduced to comic relief. Their chemistry with Snow White pales compared to the animated original.

Weak Prince (Andrew Burnap) – The Prince, though charming, has minimal screen time, making his romance with Snow White feel rushed.

Overuse of CGI – Some effects (e.g., the talking mirror, forest creatures) look artificial, detracting from the live-action realism.

Verdict: 6.5/10

Snow White (2025) is a visually dazzling but uneven remake. Gadot and Zegler shine, and the updates to the story are commendable, but the film lacks the magic and cohesion of Disney’s best live-action adaptations (like Cinderella 2015). Worth watching for fans of fairy tales, but don’t expect a new classic.