Led by a strong performance from Rachel Zegler, Snow White is a fairly decent movie where compassion runs through its heart.
Slight spoilers for Snow White ahead
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Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the biggest flop of them all?
With all the controversies that have surrounded the live-action musical remake of Disney’s 1937 animated classic (some more nonsensical than others), one would think that Snow White is going to be a dumpster fire. But now that the movie seemingly everyone and their mother has been dunking on is out in cinemas, is that the case? No, not really. Snow White may not get everything right, but what it does is give us a commanding performance from Rachel Zegler as Disney’s first princess in a movie that’s steeped in optimism and finding hope amid troubling times.
SNOW WHITE AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT
This reimagining of Snow White follows the titular princess raised by a noble king and queen in a kingdom on the edge of the forest (she gets her name after being born in the middle of a snowstorm). As she grows up, Snow White is taught that compassion, kindness, and generosity are what make for a just kingdom. But everything changes when the queen dies, and she is replaced by the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot).
As the king goes to war to defend the kingdom and never returns, the Evil Queen takes over the kingdom, turning everything dour and depressing. She locks Snow up in the castle and makes her a maid, forbidding her to leave the castle walls. Making matters worse, when the Magic Mirror informs the Evil Queen that Snow White is the fairest of them all, not her, she orders Snow to be killed, a plan foiled only after the Huntsman has a change of heart, telling Snow White to hide in the woods.
The movie follows most of the same beats as the original, the kiss from Snow’s one true love included, but it also changes things up to fit a more modern audience. Notably, Snow White becomes more of an active character in this story rather than a passive player waiting for her prince. Snow White in this version is kind without being obnoxious, compassionate, and, more importantly, finds the courage to be the leader her people need. It could be argued that this is the same generic female empowerment theme we’ve seen in many modern movies, but at least this one feels genuine.
She wants to be a good leader to her people and believes that empathy and trusting each other are what makes a kingdom great, not fear or mistrust that the Evil Queen lives by. To further that point, the movie heavily implies that the reason Snow White is fairer than the Evil Queen is not because of her physical beauty, but because of the goodness of her heart. It’s an admirable modification, and one quite poignant in today’s society. Admittedly though, not all these changes work. The ending in particular feels underwhelming in a sense that, while being in line with the movie’s values, will also have viewers saying, ‘Oh, that’s it?” in a borderline anti-climactic finale that leaves more to be desired.
ANOTHER W FOR RACHEL ZEGLER
The movie’s optimistic pov wouldn’t be as believable if it weren’t for Rachel Zegler’s exceptional performance, which arguably is the best thing about this movie. Purists may sneer at how Rachel isn’t “white as snow”, but her acting highlights a Snow White who truly is fearless, fair, brave, and true. She’s equal parts compassionate and confident, willing to lend a hand to her people but also accepting that her destiny goes beyond falling in love, and does so with conviction.
There’s almost a glow to Rachel in this movie in a performance that knows what needs to be done as we follow Snow White on her emotional journey to finding her strength and purpose. And as expected, Rachel eats up all her vocal performances, doing good in the classic numbers and new songs made for the movie.
Gal Gadot’s Evil Queen, meanwhile, is a bit more uneven. Sure, she looks the part, but her acting can feel decidedly one-note as an “angry but not really angry” kind of vibe. In a world where we’ve seen a truly evil version from Charlize Theron in Snow White and the Huntsman and an enjoyable camp take from Angelina Jolie in Maleficent, Gal Gadot’s version feels middle of the road. And while Sandy Powell did a great job as the movie’s costume designer, some of the Evil Queen’s outfits can honestly look too tacky, especially with those green jewels that cheapen rather than enhance the regalness of it all.
While their names are no longer in the title, the seven dwarves still appear in the movie and play a sizable supporting role. Each dwarf has humor and distinct personalities fitting their names that make them an enjoyable presence on screen, though the CGI can come off as a bit… suspect at times, especially on Dopey.
Instead of a prince, we have Jonathan (Andrew Burnap), a leader of a group of rebels who fight in the name of the king. For the most part, it’s a serviceable performance that’s giving Flynn Rider or Kristoff vibes at times without how he’s more carefree than the typical Disney leading man. The same can’t be said though for the love story between Snow White and Jonathan. The movie doesn’t give these two enough time to develop their relationship with their romance feeling too sudden and superficial, making it not too believable and one of the more forgettable Disney romances. Sorry Snow, but we’re not really feeling this love team.
All this is told through the film’s mix of real sets, costumes, and VFX. Forest sets and castle interiors meet CGI animals and dwarves for a beautiful if not distinctly unique movie. Snow White, as a movie, looks good, but it also plays it safe. If you’ve seen the other live-action Disney remakes, Snow White isn’t going to particularly jump at you with its lack of innovation.
IT’S… OKAY
With all the discourse we’ve gotten about Snow White, what we end up getting is a serviceable if at times forgettable live-action remake. Rachel Zegler shines as the best part of the movie, and if there’s only one reason to see this movie, it’s Rachel. It’s a fine movie that makes for a weekend option for the family. But if you’re looking for a film that gives a substantial reason for these modern live-action remakes to exist, you’ll have to keep on looking.
Snow White is now showing in cinemas nationwide.
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