OPINION: ‘SNOW WHITE’ OUTSHINED BY POLITICAL CONTROVERSY
BY SUZANNE PIPER PHOTOS BY PROVIDED
“Snow White” (2025) was set to be the biggest movie of the year, but with a 1.5 out of 10 rating on IMDb, the movie received more criticism than praise.
Rachel Zegler, a renowned singer and actress known for her role in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” (2023), has gained attention for her starring role as Snow White.
In “Snow White,” Zegler takes this iconic role of the princess with a modern twist. There is no question that Zegler brings a strong vocal ability and a fresh, young energy. Despite her personal strengths, the movie has struggled to gain attention, leaving the audience divided over the classic fairy tale movie. However, Zegler’s dedication to the role shines through as critic reviews roll in.
Gal Gadot, known for her leading role in “Wonder Woman” (2017), portrays the Evil Queen, bringing a new level of intensity to the original antagonist. Gadot’s screen presence and acting ability made her stand out in this role.
Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen, while visually striking, has been met with mixed reviews, as some critics argue that the character lacks the depth and malevolence expected from such a prominent antagonist. However, Gadot’s commitment to creating a layered villain cannot be overlooked, even if the film as a whole has fallen short of expectations.
Many critics discuss the movie’s use of CGI, especially for a movie that is supposed to be live-action. Specifically, the seven dwarfs were animated with CGI rather than casting individuals with dwarfism, who are among the most underrepresented groups in the media.
The issues extend beyond the film itself, involving drama generated by the cast's actions outside their roles. Gadot, being Israeli and Jewish, expressed her pro-Israel stance regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict.
According to an article from Variety, there have been protests outside of movie theaters, with people boycotting the movie because of Gadot’s pro-Isreal views. In light of current events, audience members have chosen to sit out of the movie and stand in protest of political disagreements.
The movie itself, in my opinion, has received more hate than it should have. The costumes were visually appealing, the set design incorporated bright colors and unique designs, like the seven dwarfs cottage, and the feel of the movie fit the Disney mold.
The music was great, with songwriters Benj Pasek and Justin Paul creating new original songs like “Waiting on a Wish.” Pasek and Paul also worked on “Dear Evan Hansen” (2021), “La La Land” (2016), and “The Greatest Showman” (2017), three musical movie adaptations that earned the two songwriters a Tony, Grammy, and Oscar, respectively.
Regardless of politics, the movie itself is a comfort watch and is just like any other live-action Disney movie. Yes, it may be tone-deaf in many ways and lacks a certain depth that cannot reach the original “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” (1937), but it still captures the magic that Disney fans expect.
While it may not live up to the grandeur of its animated predecessor, the film offers a visually stunning experience with a talented cast, vibrant costumes, and enchanting music. Ultimately, “Snow White” serves as a reminder that movies are not just about critical acclaim but also about the joy they bring to audiences, even if that joy is overshadowed by controversy.
