Director Marc Webb, known for his nuanced storytelling in “500 Days of Summer” and his more mainstream approach in “The Amazing Spider-Man”, infuses “Snow White” with both the vibrancy and gravity that Disney’s 1937 animated classic demands. Based on the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tale, the film doesn’t just retell the story, but recontextualizes it for modern sensibilities, offering a mix of nostalgia and newly written songs.
The film’s heart rests on Snow White’s (Emilia Faucher as the young version, Rachel Zegler as the older one) complex relationship with her stepmother, the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). After her father’s presumed death in battle, Snow White is relegated to a life of servitude in the Queen’s increasingly oppressive, vanity-driven reign. The kingdom, once prosperous, is now a fortress dedicated to her stepmother’s narcissistic needs and validation-seeking relationship with a talking mirror, and Snow White, the once-celebrated princess, is cast into the role of a housemaid, stripped of her identity and power.
The film offers more than just a simple Cinderella-esque arc. Snow White meets Jonathan (Andrew Burlap), a charismatic bandit stealing potatoes in the castle, which sparks the beginning of her self-discovery. His recognition of her royal lineage sets off a chain of events that leads to her being hunted by the Queen. The Huntsman (Ansu Kabia) provides her escape, and she finds refuge with seven dwarves. Here, the film takes on a more empowering tone, as Snow White draws strength from her parents’ wisdom, learning to forge her own path and fight for hers, and the kingdom’s, freedom.
One of the standout moments in the film occurs near the end of the first act, when Snow White, fleeing through a dark and foreboding forest, is swallowed by the earth and thrown into a pool of water. As she emerges exhausted and desperate, the once oppressive landscape transforms. Deer and rabbits materialize, and the darkness gives way to light, revealing vibrant flora and shimmering beauty. This moment encapsulates the film’s delicate balance between shadow and light, symbolizing Snow White’s internal journey from despair to hope. It serves as a poignant reminder of the considerable effort behind reimagining a tale almost 90 years old.
This adaptation, clocking in at one hour and 49 minutes, honors the original while introducing elements that make it feel contemporary. The decision to expand the musical numbers with original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul adds a fresh layer to the experience. “Waiting on a Wish,” Snow White’s spirited ballad, crescendos beautifully, showcasing Zegler’s impressive vocal range. The “Whistle While You Work” sequence is one of the film’s most joyful moments, with expertly edited choreography that brings a rhythmic energy to Snow White’s domestication of the dwarves. Gadot, usually associated with action roles, also surprises with her performance in “All is Fair,” a number that allows the Queen’s venomous nature to seep through vibrantly.
That said, the CGI dwarves are a bit of a mixed bag. While their visual design is uncomfortably realistic, it’s evident that Disney invested more heavily in the visuals than in practical stunt work, which might’ve been more effective in conveying stronger, perhaps more soulful, emotion. However, the film’s fantastical setting is so rich in atmosphere that these moments feel more like minor distractions than detractors.
The film’s greatest success, however, lies in its ability to evoke the enchanting, otherworldly atmosphere that defines classic fairytales. The costumes, makeup, and set designs are intricately detailed, making the world of Snow White both magical and familiar. Gadot’s Evil Queen, in particular, is an unforgettable interpretation, and her performance — relying on dynamic facial expressions and clawing hand gestures — is deliciously realized. The Evil Queen’s costume design, with its black-scaled armor-like outfit, amplifies the character’s sinister presence, making her both visually arresting and psychologically intimidating.
Also, as Snow White, Rachel Zegler’s performance is nothing short of revelatory. She brings a new depth to Snow White, making the character feel less like a passive damsel and more like a young woman on a transformative journey. However, the film’s climax could have afforded Snow White more agency in her final confrontation with the Evil Queen’s as the resolution feels a bit rushed.
Ultimately, “Snow White” is an emotionally resonant retelling that will captivate both longtime Disney fans and newcomers to the story. While it doesn’t always hit every mark, its fresh perspective and making the magic feel as potent as ever.
Letter Grade: B