‘Snow White’ Review: Rachel Zegler Shines and Gal Gadot Glowers in Disney’s Mostly Captivating Live-Action Update
Disney’s live-action adaptations of animated classics have been a mixed bag, often eliciting excitement from fans while sparking debates about the need for these remakes. The newest entry in this tradition is “Snow White”, a reimagining of the beloved 1937 animated classic. Directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White and Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, the film presents a fresh spin on the fairy tale. While some elements shine brightly, others fall flat, creating a film that is both captivating and flawed in equal measure.
Table of Contents
1. The Cast: Zegler’s Performance Dazzles, Gadot Glowers
Rachel Zegler as Snow White
At the heart of “Snow White” is Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of the iconic princess, and her performance is one of the film’s most notable strengths. Zegler, best known for her role in Steven Spielberg’s “West Side Story”, brings a fresh energy and depth to the character of Snow White. In contrast to the traditionally passive princess, this Snow White is more active and self-aware, a young woman learning to understand her own power and purpose in the world.
Zegler’s Snow White is neither a damsel in distress nor a one-dimensional character; she’s a fully realized young woman who grapples with the expectations placed upon her. Zegler imbues Snow White with vulnerability, determination, and warmth, making her an accessible and relatable heroine. Her strong vocal performances during the film’s musical sequences, particularly in songs like “Some Day My Prince Will Come,” showcase her versatility, reminding viewers that Snow White’s charm is not just in her beauty but in her resilience and inner strength.
Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen
Gal Gadot takes on the role of the Evil Queen, a character traditionally driven by jealousy over Snow White’s beauty. Gadot, known for her portrayal of Wonder Woman, presents the Queen as a more complex figure who is driven not only by vanity but also by her fear of losing power in a changing world. However, while Gadot’s performance is commanding and imposing, some critics have found her portrayal lacking the nuance expected from such a role.
The Queen is less a personification of pure evil and more a tragic figure, obsessed with retaining her position of authority. Yet, despite this attempt at depth, Gadot’s performance is often criticized for being a bit too one-note. Her portrayal of the Queen feels like she’s glowering rather than expressing the full range of emotional conflict that could have made the character more compelling. While she certainly brings a physical presence to the role, the emotional gravitas needed to make the Queen truly menacing or sympathetic is somewhat lacking.
2. The Story: Modernizing a Classic Tale
A More Empowered Snow White
The plot of “Snow White” stays mostly true to the original story, with Snow White escaping the Evil Queen’s wrath and taking refuge with seven dwarfs. However, Disney’s live-action version aims to modernize the fairy tale by focusing on themes of self-empowerment and breaking free from traditional gender roles. This updated Snow White is not just a passive princess waiting to be rescued; instead, she’s a young woman determined to make her own destiny, forging a path to reclaim her kingdom.
This shift toward female empowerment is a notable departure from the original, where Snow White was mostly defined by her innocence and beauty. The film emphasizes Snow White’s ability to lead and inspire others, making her a more active agent in her own story. Critics have lauded this decision, as it allows the character to resonate more with modern audiences, especially young viewers who might appreciate seeing a princess who takes charge of her own fate.
However, some argue that while the intention is commendable, the execution feels somewhat heavy-handed. The film occasionally leans too much into contemporary feminist themes, at times straying from the magic and wonder that made the original so enchanting. The added layers of self-discovery and empowerment, though well-meaning, can detract from the simplicity and timelessness of the fairy tale.
The Evil Queen’s Motivation
One of the more intriguing aspects of this adaptation is the way the Evil Queen’s motivation is reinterpreted. Rather than being driven purely by envy of Snow White’s beauty, the Queen’s jealousy stems from a more complex psychological and emotional state. She fears losing control and power in a changing world where youth and beauty no longer hold the same sway they once did.
While this more nuanced take on the villain could have added depth to her character, the result is a Queen whose emotions and motivations often feel unclear. The film attempts to provide some backstory, explaining her descent into jealousy and madness, but these explanations are presented in a way that feels rushed. As a result, the Queen’s character arc is less impactful than it could have been, and her villainy fails to match the complexity that the film seems to aim for.
3. Visuals and Cinematography: A Feast for the Eyes
Gorgeous Cinematography and World-Building
On the visual front, “Snow White” does not disappoint. The film’s cinematography and production design are nothing short of breathtaking. From the lush, magical forests to the opulent palace, every frame feels meticulously crafted. The CGI effects used to bring the fantasy elements to life, such as the Evil Queen’s transformation and the enchanted forest, are seamless and effective, providing a visually stunning backdrop for the narrative.
The film’s use of color and lighting further enhances the atmosphere, creating a visually captivating world that feels both familiar and new. The contrast between Snow White’s innocent purity and the Queen’s dark, looming presence is emphasized through the lighting, adding an extra layer of symbolism to the story.
Costume Design: Modern Yet Timeless
Costume design is another area where the film excels. Snow White’s attire is updated with a more modern touch but still retains the elements that make her instantly recognizable. The Evil Queen’s costumes are particularly noteworthy, combining grandeur and darkness in a way that reflects her internal turmoil. The costumes contribute significantly to the film’s visual storytelling, helping to convey the emotional states of the characters without the need for excessive dialogue.
However, while the visual elements shine, some critics argue that the focus on aesthetics sometimes takes precedence over the narrative. At times, the film feels more like a beautiful tableau of moving images than a cohesive story, leaving the audience to wonder if it sacrifices substance for style.
4. Music and Score: A Blend of Old and New
Music That Bridges Generations
As with many Disney live-action remakes, music plays an integral role in bringing the story to life. The film includes a mix of classic songs from the original animated film, like “Someday My Prince Will Come,” along with new compositions. The soundtrack is a mix of nostalgic tunes and fresh melodies that resonate with modern sensibilities while still paying homage to the original score.
Zegler’s voice shines in the musical numbers, and her renditions of the classic songs breathe new life into familiar tunes. However, while the music is generally well-received, the integration of the songs into the narrative can sometimes feel awkward. Some critics have pointed out that the musical numbers interrupt the flow of the story rather than enhance it, leaving certain sequences feeling out of place.
5. The Dwarfs: A Modern Reimagining
In this adaptation, the dwarfs have been reimagined not as a group of diminutive, comical characters but as a more diverse group of individuals, each with distinct personalities and backgrounds. This change has sparked both praise and controversy. On one hand, the decision to cast actors of various sizes and ethnicities is a step toward inclusivity. On the other hand, some critics feel that this reimagining detracts from the original magic of the dwarfs, whose quirky personalities and humor played a significant role in the classic tale.
While the dwarfs are less comedic and more nuanced in this version, some feel that their roles, while well-intentioned, lack the charm and warmth that made them so beloved in previous adaptations.
6. Conclusion: A Captivating Yet Flawed Reimagining
Disney’s live-action “Snow White” is a film that captivates with its stunning visuals, strong performances, and fresh take on a classic fairy tale. Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White is one of the film’s standout features, offering a refreshing, empowered version of the character. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen, while effective in terms of presence, could have benefited from more emotional depth.
While the film successfully updates certain aspects of the story, it occasionally falters in balancing modern themes with the magic of the original. The reimagining of the dwarfs and the focus on contemporary feminist issues may alienate some viewers, but for others, it’s a step toward making the classic story more relevant to today’s audience.
Ultimately, “Snow White” is a beautiful yet flawed adaptation that will likely leave viewers divided. It is an ambitious attempt to breathe new life into a familiar tale, but whether it will resonate with fans of the original or stand as a modern classic remains to be seen. Nonetheless, it’s a film worth watching for its visual splendor and Zegler’s magnetic performance, even if the story doesn’t always live up to the magic it strives to capture.
