The songs the world loves and personalities that blend in the search for happiness all thrive in Snow White.
Directed by Marc Webb, the journey of combining good and evil leaps in the characterization approach of Snow White. In comparison to Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937), the magical doors open at the moments of revelation. As one who went in with mixed feelings, I walked out feeling amazed and positive. The scenes and depiction of the dwarfs, the witch, and the new places all had me in a place of empathy and awe.
Going into detail about the characters, Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen and Rachel Zegler plays Snow White. I will say that the performances are competitive among musical tracks. There are moments of combat and evil tactics. What is done right though, is keeping the tones afloat with the story line of trying to find the light in the paths of darkness.
Of course, that all begins when Snow White becomes friends with the dwarfs. The dwarfs are the key to evil losing and Snow White having the incentive to find peace again. The dwarfs range from Dopey (played by Andrew Barth Feldman), Bashful (played by Titus Burgess), Grumpy (played by Martin Klebba), Sneezy (played by Jason Kravits), Happy (played by George Salazar) and Sleepy (played by Andy Grotelueschen).
As the foundation of Snow White unravels its distinctive pattern for the real effect, the chance of connection keeps coming alive. Especially around moments of acceptance through the eyes of Zegler’s performance. She has a knack for finding inspiration and joy and that is the tool that makes Snow White feel like a labyrinth where there is both discovery and darkness. The paths with “darkness” have moments that can turn to light when one tries to change things.
Deep down though, Snow White is one of the most respectful approaches to an adaptation I have seen in a while. The battles of dynamics through the eyes of different people, creatures and authorities feel like a universe where change comes around more swiftly than expected. This is especially seen in the relationship that Snow White has with Jonathan (played by Andrew Burnap), and the dwarfs—they are all the humanistic foundations that bring down the Evil Queen. It does not come easy, but the writing keeps soaring authentically to fuel the wonders of joys to come in Snow White.
I do recall that before watching the film, my mood was kind of up and down. More than anything because I am always consistent with watching so many movies and consuming tons of media. I do recall that my mind was encouraged and curious to see it because of the names of the dwarfs—all of which are in terms of feelings. My emotions of feeling “Happy” soared endlessly after seeing Snow White.
The wonders of the animation came back to me in full force. The CGI is done right, and all the factors of what makes a Disney film feel special are intact and working well. Snow White is one in the books for 2025.
Three-and-a-half out of four stars.
