Disney’s Snow White (2025), a live-action reimagining of the beloved 1937 classic, stars Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot in a magical tale of rebellion, empowerment, and legacy. Read the full spoiler-free review.
Disney’s Snow White (2025) – Movie Review 👑🍎 | A Reimagined Fairytale with a Modern Sparkle
🎬 Directed by: Marc Webb
✍️ Screenplay by: Erin Cressida Wilson
🎵 Music by: Jeff Morrow, Pasek and Paul (new songs), Larry Morey & Frank Churchill (original songs)
📅 Release Date: March 21, 2025 (USA)
⏱️ Runtime: 109 minutes
💰 Budget: $240–270 million
💸 Box Office: $205.5 million
🎥 Language: English
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Plot Summary
The 2025 version of Snow White revisits the classic fairytale but updates its core themes for a modern audience. Rachel Zegler stars as Snow White, a young princess whose beauty and spirit pose a threat to her stepmother, the vain and power-hungry Evil Queen (Gal Gadot). Fearing she will lose her hold on the kingdom, the Queen orders her assassination. However, Snow White escapes and finds refuge in the forest, where she meets seven dwarfs and, in a new twist, a charming rogue bandit named Jonathan (Andrew Burnap).
As she grows stronger and wiser, Snow White discovers that her destiny isn’t just to survive — it’s to fight. With courage and compassion, she challenges tyranny, seeks justice for her people, and reclaims her right to rule.
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Performances
👸 Rachel Zegler as Snow White
Zegler brings warmth, vulnerability, and strength to her version of the iconic character. Her singing voice is enchanting, and she strikes a compelling balance between innocence and rebellion. This Snow White is no damsel — she’s a leader in the making.
🧙 Gal Gadot as the Evil Queen
Gal Gadot steals nearly every scene she’s in. Her portrayal of the Queen is deliciously wicked, yet subtly layered. With regal poise and a chilling smile, she delivers a villainous performance that’s campy, stylish, and unforgettable. Her rendition of the Queen’s iconic mirror scenes is both haunting and magnetic.
🗡️ Andrew Burnap as Jonathan
Jonathan is a new character designed to add depth and romantic tension to the story. Burnap plays him with charm and heart, though his character feels a bit underwritten at times. Still, he offers a fresh dynamic that departs from the traditional “Prince Charming” trope.
🧝♂️ The Seven Dwarfs
Though Disney took a different approach to casting and depicting the dwarfs in this version, the ensemble adds humor, heart, and moral wisdom to Snow White’s journey. They remain a crucial emotional core of the story.
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Music & Songs
Classic songs like “Someday My Prince Will Come” and “Heigh-Ho” return in revamped forms, with new compositions by Pasek and Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman) injecting a Broadway-style energy. The new numbers emphasize themes of self-empowerment, destiny, and inner strength.
Highlights include:
- “Rise, My Own” – a powerful solo by Zegler that echoes Snow White’s transformation
- “Mirror’s Lie” – a dark, glamorous anthem by Gadot that blends classic villainy with modern flair
Jeff Morrow’s score gives the film a majestic, orchestral backbone, enhancing both emotional and magical moments.
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Visuals & Production
The film is a visual treat. Mandy Walker’s cinematography creates a dreamlike palette of enchanted forests, gothic castles, and golden-lit kingdoms. The costume design by Colleen Atwood is both whimsical and sophisticated — Snow White’s signature dress gets a modern update without losing its iconic identity.
The CGI and visual effects are polished, especially the magic mirror sequences and the enchanted creatures that inhabit the forest. The Evil Queen’s transformations and spells are a spectacle, and the final act’s visual grandeur is worthy of Disney’s top-tier fantasy storytelling.
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Themes & Modernization
This Snow White is more than just a fairytale. It’s a reimagining that focuses on:
- Female empowerment: Snow White doesn’t wait for a prince. She finds her strength, builds allies, and leads a rebellion.
- Complex villains: The Queen’s backstory hints at her own insecurities, turning her into more than just a jealous stepmother.
- Challenging beauty standards: The film subtly critiques the obsession with physical beauty and reframes it as inner strength and moral clarity.
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What Works
✅ Strong lead performances, especially by Zegler and Gadot
✅ Modern feminist reinterpretation without losing the fairytale essence
✅ Lavish production design and stunning visuals
✅ Memorable new songs by Pasek and Paul
✅ Balanced blend of nostalgia and novelty
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What Doesn’t Work
❌ Jonathan’s character feels underdeveloped
❌ Some musical transitions feel abrupt
❌ Pacing lags slightly in the middle act
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Final Verdict
Disney’s Snow White (2025) successfully brings a classic tale into the 21st century. With Rachel Zegler’s radiant performance and Gal Gadot’s magnetic villainy, it blends old charm with new purpose. This version trades passive princess tropes for a heroine who fights back — with grace, strength, and a voice that inspires.
While it may not surpass the legacy of the 1937 animated original, it stands proudly as a bold, empowering, and visually dazzling retelling for a new generation.
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BMR (Best Movie Review) Rating: 7.8/10
A magical reimagining with modern heart and timeless sparkle — worth the watch for both fans and newcomers.