Language: English
Age Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy, Musical Drama
Disney brings back the magic of fairy tales with Snow White (2025), a modern live-action reimagining of its beloved 1937 animated classic. Directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler in the title role, the film attempts to retell the timeless fable with contemporary themes, fresh character arcs, and dazzling visuals. With a standout performance by Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen, Snow White delivers in spectacle and musical charm, though it occasionally stumbles in emotional depth.
A Familiar Tale Rewritten for a New Generation
The 2025 version of Snow White redefines its lead character not as a damsel in distress but as a strong-willed young woman, determined to take charge of her own destiny. The film stays rooted in the world of fantasy while infusing a sense of realism into its characters and setting.
Plot Overview
Snow White (Rachel Zegler), confined to her own castle by the envious Evil Queen (Gal Gadot), dreams of reclaiming her rightful place and rebuilding her kingdom. Along the way, she encounters Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), a reimagined version of the prince—a charming bandit with a heart for justice. With courage, wit, and the help of a few quirky allies, Snow White sets out to rewrite her story.
What Works
✅ Gal Gadot’s Captivating Evil Queen
Gadot brings regal menace and elegance to her role, making every scene she’s in memorable. Her portrayal offers the film’s most compelling moments, combining charm, vanity, and vulnerability.
✅ Visually Enchanting Cinematography
The CGI-laden visuals and art direction are stunning, offering a vibrant fairy-tale aesthetic. The magic mirror, the castle interiors, and the lush forests all transport viewers into a world of fantasy.
✅ Modern Take on a Classic Heroine
The film deserves credit for redefining Snow White as a more assertive and self-reliant character. Her journey feels empowering and contemporary, resonating with today’s audience.
✅ Musical Charm
The songs, including “Waiting on a Wish”, provide light-hearted moments and support character development. While they may not match the timeless melodies of the original, they are enjoyable and well-integrated into the storyline.
✅ Marc Webb’s Wholesome Direction
Known for his work on The Amazing Spider-Man, Webb offers a gentle, family-friendly touch to this fantasy tale, making it accessible to all age groups.
What Could Be Better
⚠️ Lack of Emotional Depth – While the modernization is ambitious, Snow White’s journey feels rushed, and her connection with Jonathan lacks development.
⚠️ Underused Supporting Cast – The dwarfs, while fun, don’t contribute meaningfully to the plot, making their inclusion feel more obligatory than essential.
⚠️ Tonal Inconsistency – The film wavers between whimsical fantasy and serious empowerment themes, never fully committing to either.
Performances
🎭 Rachel Zegler (Snow White): Brings youthful energy and strength to the role, portraying a modern version of the classic character. While her arc could use more emotional layering, her presence is graceful and determined.
🎭 Gal Gadot (Evil Queen): The undeniable star of the film. Her commanding performance, expressive eyes, and dramatic flair breathe life into the story.
🎭 Andrew Burnap (Jonathan): A unique reimagining of the prince character. Though underexplored, his charisma and chemistry with Snow White offer a refreshing take on romance.
🎭 Supporting Cast (The Forest Friends): While the “dwarfs” are minimal and rebranded, the ensemble adds brief comic relief and fantasy whimsy to the story.
Technical Aspects
🎥 Cinematography & CGI: Rich textures, vibrant palettes, and seamless integration of effects make this a visual treat.
🎵 Music: Composed with a balance of nostalgia and novelty, the songs bring lightness to the narrative without overwhelming it.
✂️ Editing: The pacing is consistent in the first half but loses a bit of steam towards the climax. Nonetheless, transitions are smooth.
🎬 Direction: Webb maintains a fairy-tale tone while attempting to modernize the essence of the original. His vision feels sincere, though slightly constrained by the script.
Final Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
Snow White (2025) is a gentle, visually enchanting reimagination of a classic tale. While it doesn’t quite reach the emotional depth of its predecessor, it succeeds in telling an empowering story for a new generation, led by strong performances—especially Gal Gadot’s mesmerizing Evil Queen. It’s a heartfelt, if somewhat safe, attempt at retelling a cherished story.
If you’re looking for a charming family film with magical moments and modern themes, this Snow White offers just enough sparkle to make the trip worthwhile.