**Disney’s *Snow White* Review: A Novel Spin on a Timeless Story**
Screenwriter Erin Cressida Wilson encountered a significant challenge in reimagining Disney’s 1937 animated classic *Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs* into a live-action feature that would appeal to contemporary viewers. The original Snow White was a far cry from the strong, self-sufficient heroines of modern Disney films—she was a passive figure who ran from peril, succumbed to a poisoned apple, and was awakened by a prince she had little connection with. Nevertheless, in *Disney’s Snow White*, Wilson adeptly maintains the film’s beloved components while elevating its straightforward narrative into an engaging coming-of-age tale.
### A More Empowered Snow White
In this re-envisioning, Snow White (Rachel Zegler) transcends her image as a frail character defined solely by her fair skin. Instead, her name hails from the winter tempest that marked her birth. When others refer to her as “fair,” they refer to her sense of justice over mere physical beauty. She embodies a princess who actively engages with her community, gathering apples and baking pies for a shared celebration. These nuanced adjustments create a notable effect, showcasing her as strong, capable, and empathetic. Yet, her realm faces grave danger when the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot) takes charge.
Wilson’s interpretation of *Snow White* is delightfully enchanting, providing a familiar narrative infused with fresh insights and surprising nostalgic elements.
### Rachel Zegler Shines as Snow White
Rachel Zegler, famed for *West Side Story* and *The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes*, radiates charisma the instant she graces the screen. With her emotive expressions, authenticity, and melodic vocals, she captures the spirit of a live-action Disney princess. Clad in golden attire and with Snow White’s iconic bob, Zegler is sure to enchant Disney aficionados.
However, it is in moments of hardship that her performance truly excels. Echoing her animated counterpart, she escapes into a foreboding, shadowy forest, but director Marc Webb (*The Amazing Spider-Man*) elevates the experience with striking visuals—subdued regal hues transition to shadowy foliage and neon crimson fog, evoking a surreal ambiance. Prior to this intense flight, Snow White bravely confronts the Evil Queen, advocating for a captured bandit (Andrew Burnap). Though her voice quakes, her courage is unmistakable, guiding her on a journey of self-exploration, love, and political consciousness.
### A Romance with Substance
The faceless prince of the previous film has vanished. Instead, Snow White’s romantic interest is Jonathan, a daring bandit with a noble heart. Their first encounter in the castle kitchen sees him mistaking her for a servant, thanks to her modest demeanor. His confident charm, coupled with a ’90s-inspired outfit—plaid shirt, hood, striped poncho, and floppy center-parted hair—offers a nostalgic aura reminiscent of Jonathan Taylor Thomas from *Home Improvement*.
Beyond his charm, Jonathan enlightens Snow White on the concept of political insurrection, denouncing the queen’s avarice and tyranny. Their exchanges ignite a spark within her, motivating her to advocate for her kingdom’s destiny. Their romance, grounded in shared values and mutual admiration, flourishes in the forest—despite the ever-observant dwarfs.
### The Dwarfs Are a Notable Blunder
A polarizing decision in the film involved swapping out the traditional dwarfs for CGI representations rather than employing actors with dwarfism. While Martin Klebba voices Grumpy, the remaining dwarfs—Sneezy, Sleepy, Happy, Bashful, Dopey, and Doc—are animated, resulting in a visually jarring effect.
In contrast to the beautifully crafted main characters, the dwarfs inhabit an uncanny valley, resembling unsettling lawn ornaments with unrealistic skin textures. Dopey, in particular, is challenging to watch, invoking a similar unease as Scuttle from the 2023 *Little Mermaid* remake. Their humor appears disjointed from the film’s emotional and political themes, rendering their scenes a burdensome interruption. Even a revised rendition of *Heigh Ho* relies too heavily on their one-dimensional traits, lacking any profundity.
### Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen Lacks Dimension
The Evil Queen ranks among Disney’s most renowned villains, yet Gal Gadot’s performance does not fully capture her potential. Although she dazzles in Sandy Powell’s stunning costumes—her sequined gowns produce an ominous sound as she maneuvers—her portrayal lacks the complexity and menace required for such an iconic antagonist.
The film’s audio design amplifies the queen’s presence, from the haunting rustle of her sequins to the unsettling squelch of caviar beneath her fork, underscoring her opulence while her subjects endure hardship. However, despite her striking appearance