"Visually Enchanting, Narratively Tame: Snow White's Uneven Return"
By Montana Clayton
Disney's 2025 live-action adaptation of Snow White, directed by Marc Webb, offers a contemporary twist on the classic tale. While the film is visually captivating and features commendable performances, particularly by Rachel Zegler as Snow White, it fails to deliver a compelling narrative.
Script and Storyline
The screenplay, penned by Erin Cressida Wilson, strives to modernize the original narrative by presenting Snow White as a proactive heroine. However, this updated portrayal lacks depth, resulting in a storyline that, while entertaining, feels rather basic and predictable. The film's attempt to infuse contemporary themes into the classic framework is commendable but does not elevate the script that much beyond a standard retelling.
Musical Elements
The film introduces new songs crafted by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, known for their work on "La La Land" and "The Greatest Showman." These additions blend seamlessly with the original score, offering enjoyable musical moments that enhance the viewing experience. Notably, the ballad "Waiting on a Wish" stands out, reflecting Snow White's inner strength and aspirations. Personally, I really enjoyed the added lyrics to some of the classic songs, especially “Hi-Ho”
Portrayal of the Seven Dwarfs
The decision to depict the seven dwarfs using CGI has sparked discussions regarding representation. While the visual effects are impressive, some members of the dwarfism community, including actor Peter Dinklage, have expressed concerns about reinforcing stereotypes if Disney chose to hire real people rather than CGI. This led to some negative feedback from other little people who felt like this was taking opportunities away from them in the film industry. While I found the CGI representations very playful and a call back to the original film, it attempts to address these issues by reimagining the dwarfs as distinct characters with unique traits; the execution has received mixed reactions.
Character Dynamics and "True Love's Kiss"
A significant departure from the original is the reimagined "true love's kiss." In this version, Snow White's awakening is not reliant on a prince's kiss but stems from the idea that it is her “true love” rather than a prince. and somewhat stems from her own resilience and the support of her companions. I did think it was problematic that her “true love” was the first man she touched fingers with slightly. However, in an hour-and-a-half film, it is hard to build much more depth to their feelings, even when including a life-saving event. This shift aligns with the film's emphasis on female empowerment and offers a refreshing take on the classic trope.
Direction and Pacing
Marc Webb, known for "The Amazing Spider-Man," brings his signature visual flair to the film. However, the pacing is uneven, with certain sequences feeling rushed while others linger unnecessarily. This inconsistency impacted the overall cohesion of the narrative.
Casting Highlights
Rachel Zegler delivers a standout performance as Snow White, gracefully embodying the character's innocence and strength. Gal Gadot's portrayal of the Evil Queen, well, she absolutely looked at the part, regal, commanding, and styled to perfection, but performance-wise, it often felt like she was trying a little too hard. Many of her scenes were overacted, leaning more into theatrical flair than genuine menace."
Andrew Burnap's character, Jonathan, adds to the story and provides a fresh dynamic to Snow White's journey.
Political Undertones
The film subtly weaves political themes into the narrative, reflecting contemporary societal issues. These undertones are integrated into the plot, adding layers to the story without overshadowing the central themes of courage and self-discovery. Given the monarchical setting, including political elements feels organic and enhances the depth of the narrative.
Makeup and Costume Design
The film's visual aesthetics are noteworthy, with makeup and costume design playing pivotal roles in bringing the characters to life. Sandy Powell's costume designs are both imaginative and faithful to the original, adding a modern flair that complements the film's updated narrative. The makeup team enhances these designs, particularly in transforming Gadot into the mesmerizing yet sinister Evil Queen.
Conclusion
Disney's 2025 "Snow White" offers a visually stunning and musically enriched experience. However, the film's simplistic script and uneven pacing prevent it from achieving the timeless charm of its predecessor. While the modern interpretations of characters and themes are commendable, they are not enough to distinguish this adaptation in the realm of live-action remakes. I give it 7 out of 10 Reels.
