Snow White (2025) Review – Dazzling Visuals, Dimmed Magic in Disney’s Modern Fairytale

Introduction: A Classic Reimagined—but Not Reinvigorated

Disney’s latest live-action adaptation of Snow White arrives in 2025 with bold intentions—to modernize a centuries-old tale for today’s diverse, progressive audience. While it delivers on some fronts with dazzling visuals and strong performances by Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, the film ultimately struggles to find a consistent tone, falling short of its full transformative promise.

Plot Overview: A Princess Who Fights, Not Waits

In this reimagined version directed by Marc Webb, Snow White (Rachel Zegler) is no longer named for her complexion, but rather for surviving a snowstorm at birth. The story pivots from the passive, love-struck princess of 1937 to a justice-seeking young woman determined to save her kingdom.

Her love interest Jonathan (Andrew Burnap) is a charming addition, but no longer the knight-in-shining-armor trope. The narrative makes it clear that this princess doesn’t need saving—well, not entirely. Despite the strong feminist tones, Disney still clings to a dated rescue-by-kiss trope, missing an opportunity for more inventive storytelling.

A Diversity Drive That Feels Forced

Disney’s efforts toward inclusion are evident—from recasting the dwarfs as magical forest creatures to forming a multi-ethnic band of allies. Yet, much of this diversity feels more like a checklist than authentic evolution. While politically correct on paper, these changes often lack depth or narrative impact, causing the film to feel more performative than progressive.

Visuals That Truly Sparkle

Where Snow White genuinely succeeds is in its visual storytelling. The cinematography captures lush forests, enchanted castles, and a magical mirror that pays homage to the original animated film. Costume design, particularly for the Evil Queen, is a visual highlight—Gal Gadot’s villainous look is menacing, regal, and captivating. Her wardrobe choices reflect greed, vanity, and dark elegance in equal measure.

One standout sequence is the “All Is Fair” number, where Gadot commands the screen in a performance that is both theatrical and chilling. It’s these moments that showcase the film’s potential—if only it could sustain them.

Gal Gadot & Rachel Zegler: A Dynamic Duo

Gal Gadot is deliciously wicked as the Evil Queen, shedding her Wonder Woman persona and fully embracing villainy. Rachel Zegler brings warmth, strength, and earnestness to Snow White, offering a heroine who is both emotionally grounded and morally strong. Together, they carry the film’s emotional weight—even when the story around them falters.

Music: The Missing Magic

In a musical fairytale, the soundtrack is expected to elevate the narrative—but here, it falls disappointingly flat. Apart from one or two memorable tracks, the music lacks distinction and emotional resonance. Songs blur together, failing to carve out lasting impressions or serve as narrative milestones the way classics like “Someday My Prince Will Come” once did.

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag of Magic and Missed Opportunities

Rating: ★★½ (2.5/5)

Snow White (2025) is a film with good intentions and stunning aesthetics, but it stumbles under the weight of trying to please everyone. It redefines gender roles and delivers breathtaking visuals, but lacks the emotional magic and cohesive storytelling that made the original a timeless classic.

This version shines brightest in its performances and design but dims when it leans too heavily into surface-level wokeness and outdated tropes. For a story meant to be about fairness and progress, the film itself feels stuck—somewhere between yesterday and today.