Disney’s Snow White (2025) Review: A Visually Stunning but Emotionally Hollow Remake

Disney’s 2025 live-action adaptation of Snow White, directed by Marc Webb and starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, is a visually ambitious but emotionally hollow attempt to modernize the beloved 1937 classic.

While the film boasts moments of brilliance, it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive or compelling reimagining of the timeless fairytale.

However, the film struggles to balance its modern updates with the nostalgic elements of the original. The tone shifts awkwardly between whimsical fairytale and gritty realism, creating a disjointed narrative experience.

The CGI-rendered dwarfs (referred to as “magical creatures”) are a major misstep. Their unnatural appearance and lack of personality make them more distracting than endearing. This decision to deviate from the original dwarfs undermines a core element of the story’s charm.

Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen is the film’s saving grace. She exudes regal menace and charisma, bringing depth to a character often reduced to a one-dimensional villain. Her musical number, while divisive, showcases her range and adds a theatrical flair to the film.

While Rachel Zegler brings energy and sincerity to the role, her portrayal of Snow White lacks the innocence and timeless appeal of the original character. Her performance feels more like a modern heroine than the iconic Snow White, which may alienate fans of the classic. 

The film attempts to update Snow White’s character, making her more proactive and independent. The decision to replace the traditional prince with a new character, Jonathan, as a partner rather than a saviour, is a welcome change that aligns with contemporary values.

Despite its visual splendour, the film struggles to connect emotionally. The relationships between characters feel underdeveloped, and key moments—such as Snow White’s awakening or her bond with the dwarfs—fall flat. The emotional stakes are low, leaving the audience detached from the story.

The new songs, while technically well-produced, lack the memorable melodies of the original soundtrack. Gal Gadot’s musical number, though ambitious, feels out of place and overly reliant on autotune.

The live-action Snow White had a tepid box office debut, reflecting the film’s mixed reception and controversies surrounding its production.

The film earned $16 million on Friday (including Thursday previews) and is projected to finish its opening weekend with $45–48 million domestically, falling short of earlier estimates of $50–70 million.

The movie received a B+ CinemaScore, marking the first time a Disney remake has scored below an A- from audiences. Early Rotten Tomatoes scores stand at 44% from critics and 71% from audiences, indicating mixed reactions

Snow White (2025) is a visually stunning but narratively flawed adaptation that struggles to justify its existence. While Gal Gadot’s performance and the film’s aesthetic achievements are commendable, the lack of emotional depth, inconsistent tone, and questionable creative choices make it a disappointing addition to Disney’s live-action catalogue. It may appeal to younger audiences or those unfamiliar with the original, but it fails to capture the magic that made the 1937 classic a cultural touchstone.