The cultural phenomenon that is Disney’s live-action remakes continues with Marc Webb’s “Snow White,” a film that arrived amidst a tempest of pre-release discourse. In an era where social media amplifies every whisper and speculation, “Snow White” found itself under intense scrutiny long before its theatrical debut. Yet, beneath the layers of online chatter lies a fundamental truth: this is, at its core, a retelling of a timeless tale, a story woven into the fabric of our collective consciousness. As such, it deserves to be evaluated on its own merits, separate from the cacophony of pre-emptive judgments.
Snow White
Erin Cressida Wilson’s screenplay adheres to the familiar narrative architecture of the Snow White story, tracing the arc of a kind-hearted princess whose idyllic existence is shattered by the malevolence of her stepmother, the Evil Queen. The familiar milestones are present: the Queen’s jealousy, Snow’s forced exile into the perilous woods, and her encounter with the seven dwarfs. However, this iteration of “Snow White” endeavors to infuse the classic narrative with a contemporary sensibility, a desire to resonate with a modern audience.
One of the most significant departures from the 1937 animated classic is Snow White’s revised characterization. In this rendition, Snow is not defined by her yearning for a prince charming. Instead, her narrative arc emphasizes her inherent qualities of fairness, kindness, and strength, traits instilled in her by her parents and cultivated as she navigates the challenges of her tumultuous life. This shift in focus aligns with contemporary ideals of female empowerment, positioning Snow as a leader in her own right, rather than a passive recipient of a prince’s affections.
At the heart of “Snow White” lies Rachel Zegler’s captivating performance. With each successive role, Zegler solidifies her status as a rising star, and her portrayal of Snow White is nothing short of luminous. She embodies the essence of the character with an effortless grace, conveying Snow’s inherent goodness and unwavering spirit. Whether she’s interacting with the CGI-generated dwarfs or delivering a poignant musical number, Zegler commands the screen with a magnetic presence.
Zegler’s ability to imbue Snow White with a sense of authenticity is crucial to the film’s success. The narrative hinges on the audience’s belief in Snow’s inherent goodness, her capacity to inspire unwavering loyalty and devotion. Zegler’s performance leaves no room for doubt; she portrays Snow’s compassion and empathy with such conviction that it becomes entirely plausible that others would be drawn to her orbit.
In a significant departure from the original animated film, the romantic subplot in “Snow White” takes an unconventional turn. The traditional prince charming archetype is replaced by Jonathan, a roguish bandit portrayed by Andrew Burnap.Their initial encounter, a clash born of circumstance, sets the stage for a budding romance that unfolds with a palpable sense of chemistry.
The dynamic between Snow and Jonathan is built on the classic “opposites attract” trope, their contrasting personalities and backgrounds creating a compelling tension. Their banter is witty and engaging, and their connection feels genuine. However, the pacing of their romance, particularly in the later stages of the film, feels rushed, adhering to the accelerated timelines that often characterize Disney’s romantic narratives.
Marc Webb’s directorial vision imbues the middle portion of “Snow White” with a sense of enchantment, evoking the timeless charm of classic Disney animation. The film’s musical sequences, featuring original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, are particularly effective, with “Princess Problems,” a playful duet between Snow and Jonathan, standing out as a highlight.
Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen is a study in contrasts. Shedding her iconic Wonder Woman persona, Gadot embraces the villainous role with a palpable enthusiasm. She exudes an imposing presence, particularly when adorned in her shimmering dark gown, and her vocal performance in the Queen’s musical number is commendable.
However, the Evil Queen’s character arc is ultimately undermined by a lack of depth. The screenplay fails to provide Gadot with the necessary material to fully explore the character’s motivations and complexities. As a result, the Queen’s descent into villainy feels superficial, lacking the psychological nuance that would elevate her from a stock antagonist to a truly compelling villain.
Gadot’s attempts to infuse the Queen with a sense of camp are hampered by the underwritten nature of the character. She delivers her lines with a theatrical flair, but the absence of substantive material prevents her from fully embodying the Queen’s iconic persona.
The film’s final act, while adhering to Snow White’s inherent characterization, veers into saccharine territory. The resolution, while emotionally satisfying, lacks the dramatic tension that would have elevated it to a truly memorable climax.
Zegler’s performance remains a highlight, but even her brilliance cannot fully compensate for the anticlimactic nature of the film’s conclusion. The absence of a truly formidable antagonist and the reliance on familiar tropes contribute to a sense of predictability that undermines the film’s overall impact.
While Rachel Zegler’s performance is a resounding success, “Snow White” ultimately falls prey to the familiar pitfalls of Disney’s live-action remakes. The uneven visual effects, underwritten villain, and anticlimactic finale detract from the film’s overall impact.
