TINATH ZAEBA

Disney’s live-action Snow White (2025) arrived carrying more baggage than the average fairytale princess. Unfortunately, the film buckles under its weight. Between the early controversy and the overwhelming pressure to modernise a nearly 90-year-old fairytale, it feels like this remake never quite figured out what it wants to be.

To start with the good: the lead actress, Rachel Zegler, has a beautiful voice. Her musical numbers are the highlight of the film – warm, heartfelt, and one of the few times the story feels like it has a soul. Whether she’s singing about longing, wonder, or courage, her voice carries genuine emotion and it’s clear she was giving it her all in these moments.

However, outside of the musical numbers, the performances fall flat with a thud. Many of the characters feel one-dimensional which is only reinforced through stiff and emotionless dialogue. The pacing doesn’t help either. Scenes that should be exciting or touching just sort of come and go with very little impact. The casting of the Prince and Snow White is not as compatible either as it seems, since their on-screen scenes are all awkward with a sudden love story thrown at the end.

The casting of the Prince and Snow White is not as compatible either as it seems, since their on-screen scenes are all awkward with a sudden love story thrown at the end. Even Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the stepmother is not as frightening or intimidating as it’s supposed to be.

Visually though, the movie is well-crafted. The forest is lush and the castle is grand. But Disney’s high production value is no longer enough on its own. The writing also falls short with the tone shifting awkwardly between dramatic and silly. Even the humour misses the mark.

If you’re a big Disney fan or simply curious, you might still want to give it a watch. It is, however, advisable to go in with low expectations. Otherwise, you’re probably better off rewatching the animated classic. It may be old, but at least it remembers how to tell a good story – with charm, heart, and a bit of actual magic.