For many of us who grew up enchanted by Disney, role-playing often revolved around the iconic princesses. In my childhood circle, we would designate one another as specific characters, and I, the brunette with a bob, was always cast as Snow White. Admittedly, I found this designation frustrating.
The original animated Snow White, released in 1937, presented a character with a melodious but high-pitched singing voice, whose days were spent cleaning for seven dwarfs. She often appeared naive and oblivious to her circumstances, waiting for rescue rather than taking charge. I was never fond of her and detested being even remotely likened to her character.
Given my low expectations, the announcement of a live-action rendition did little to excite me. After all, what could this new interpretation offer that the classic didn’t? Yet, Rachel Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White turned out to be a delightful surprise. She succeeded in making me care about a character I previously disregarded.
Zegler’s performance is heartfelt—her compassion radiates from the character, making Snow White feel more like a person driven by warmth and empathy rather than a mere damsel. This refreshing take refrains from falling into cliché, portraying Snow White as someone who actively seeks kindness and connection in a complicated world.
In this adaptation, Snow White possesses agency; she is not merely a caretaker but a proactive individual whose kindness permeates Zegler’s every scene. While there are aspects of Marc Webb’s interpretation that falter, Zegler’s spirited performance anchors the film.
Gal Gadot’s Portrayal: A Missed Opportunity
In stark contrast, Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the evil queen left much to be desired. Each scene featuring her felt underwhelming, raising questions about how this performance was deemed the “best.”I found little redeeming in her portrayal; the moments that stood out were merely acceptable at best.
The character’s obsession with beauty has always been her core motivation, from the animated classic to this newest adaptation. While Gadot undoubtedly possesses physical beauty, the film regrettably underscores this aspect without adequately addressing her acting in the role.
In prior adaptations, the evil queen’s inner ugliness manifested powerfully, suggesting her desire for beauty was her own undoing. However, in this live-action version, it remains unclear whether Gadot was directed to portray this complexity or simply fell short of achieving it.
The Refreshing Take on Snow White’s Prince
A standout feature of this adaptation is Andrew Burnap’s portrayal of Jonathan, who not only meets Snow White but also builds a genuine connection with her. Their romantic development renders the previous non-consensual “saving kiss”far less problematic than its animated equivalent, which often felt forced and uncomfortable.
This relationship unfolds with a gradual build, based on trust, highlighted by a song granting Jonathan the right to kiss her. Burnap’s theatrical background shines as he plays the “actor-turned-bandit, ”adding depth to his character.
Moreover, the chemistry between Zegler and Burnap made their romance engaging rather than awkward, a refreshing departure from the original film.
An Unconventional Portrayal of the Dwarves
Despite the impressive performances from Zegler and Burnap, the decision to animate the dwarves—while leaving the rest of the characters as live-action—created a disjointed feel. While moments with Dopey (Andrew Barth Feldman) and Grumpy (Martin Klebba) showcased sweetness, their diminished roles limited the overall connection Snow White had with these characters.
The choice for animation felt oddly out of place amid a predominantly live-action cast, leading to a sense of magical disconnect. Perhaps this is why the adaptation opted to exclude “and the Seven Dwarfs”from the title altogether.
In summary, while this adaptation of Snow White offers endearing moments and memorable musical numbers that echo the styles of Justin Paul and Benji Pasek, it struggles to fully redeem itself from certain narrative choices, particularly the musical scenes featuring Gal Gadot. Nevertheless, the film succeeds in delivering an enjoyable experience overall.
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