The 1937 classic "Snow White" is often hailed as one of the greatest animated films of all time. A timeless story that has influenced the industry for nearly a century. Afterall, who hasn't watched it?

However, the 2025 live-action remake directed by Marc Webb has stirred controversy by attempting to update the story to align with modern sensibilities. The reimagining failed to strike the right balance in addressing societal issues, resulting in a lackluster adaptation.

Disney's approach in reviving old classics through live-action remakes has generally involved maintaining the core storyline while exploring new elements. While past attempts, like "The Little Mermaid," achieved a degree of success in revisiting themes, Webb's "Snow White" was doomed from the start.

The Seven Dwarfs were redesigned to avoid offending any group, with the protagonist, played by Rachel Zegler, transformed into a progressive leader opposing the tyranny of the Evil Queen through compassion and kindness. The film struggled to establish its identity, opting for a simplistic morality that fell short of resonating with audiences.

In Search of Magic

"Snow White" is a visually unbalanced and controversial film. While the performances of the lead actors, Zegler and Gal Gadot, are commendable, the overall aesthetic of the remake fails to capture the enchanting quality of the original. The elaborate costumes and sets appear artificial, lacking the authenticity needed to transport viewers into a fairy-tale world.

The film's artistic direction wavers between faithfully replicating the classic and venturing into uncharted territory, ultimately failing to offer anything new. The reliance on borrowed narrative and aesthetic elements, such as the relationship dynamics and visual cues reminiscent of other fairy tales, robs the remake of originality. The CGI characters, especially the Seven Dwarfs, are well-rendered yet unsettling, missing the eerie charm of the 1937 animation.

In conclusion, "Snow White" (2025) is a conceptual and aesthetic mishmash, with technically proficient but emotionally detached CGI. Webb's adaptation falls short in recreating the captivating blend of fantasy and horror that made the original timeless. The end result is a shallow and uninspired interpretation of a beloved classic, lacking the courage and spirit it sought to convey.