By Janet Grant

Disney’s latest live-action adaptation, Snow White, brings the beloved 1937 animated classic to life with a new perspective. The film dazzles with stunning visuals and impressive performances, yet it struggles to balance honouring the original and telling a contemporary new story. The film’s outstanding visuals feature the enchanted forest and lifelike CGI animals.

The film sometimes falters in pacing and its narrative choices. The Snow White’s updated portrayal as an independent leader occasionally feels forced, which can be disruptive compared to the traditional princess fairy-tale flow. Rachel Ziegler brings a new life and fresh energy to the story and delivers heartfelt recreations of the movie’s classic songs. Gal Gadot shines as Evil Queen, balancing regal elegance with an evil and menacing presence.

The decision to use CGI and motion capture for the dwarfs is visually impressive, with each character having a unique design that blends fantasy and realism. However, the reliance on technology sometimes detracts from their emotional feeling. The animated dwarfs’ simplicity and expressiveness allowed their personalities to shine through; here, the hyper-detailed CGI occasionally makes them feel less relatable. The reimagined dwarfs, portrayed as a diverse group of magical beings, are charming but lack the depth and personality of their animated counterparts. Their attempts at comedy often miss the mark, undermining the story’s emotional impact.

The live-action format works in some respects, particularly in showcasing the grandeur of the castle and the eerie beauty of the Queen’s lair. Yet, it falters in capturing the whimsy and simplicity of the original animation. The darker, more realistic tone sometimes overshadows the story’s inherent charm. 

Overall, Snow White (2025) is visually stunning but is an uneven adaptation. It successfully reimagines the classic for the new generation, and fans of the animated film may find some new moments to cherish. However, the film’s identity crisis between old and new leaves it feeling less than enchanting. 

Snow White opens in theatres this weekend.

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