Disney's latest live-action remake of Snow White has sparked a significant divide in critical reception, with British film critics leaning towards a negative assessment while their American counterparts offer a more favorable view. The film, which is set to be released globally this Friday, has garnered an initial critics' score of just 47% on Rotten Tomatoes. This disparity in opinions raises questions about the film's execution and its ability to resonate with modern audiences.
Kevin Maher, the chief film critic for The Times, did not hold back in his critique, stating, "Believe the anti-hype, it's that bad." In contrast, David Rooney from Hollywood Reporter described the film as "mostly captivating," highlighting the vibrant retelling by director Marc Webb and a smart script penned by Erin Cressida Wilson. However, Rooney expressed concerns regarding the film's portrayal of the seven dwarfs, a point that has sparked considerable debate since production began.
The controversy surrounding the depiction of the seven dwarfs began in 2022 when Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage criticized the idea of retelling a story that features dwarfs living in a cave as "backward." In response, Disney opted to use computer-generated characters to avoid perpetuating stereotypes from the original animated film. However, this decision has drawn criticism from actors with dwarfism, who worry that using CGI would limit their opportunities in the industry. Rooney noted that while the voice cast brings humor and personality to the characters, the CGI representations feel "a bit creepy" compared to the film's charming woodland creatures.
Despite the criticisms, some reviewers found redeeming qualities in the film. Pete Hammond from Deadline described it as "just fine," commending its fresh take on a classic story. He praised the dazzling dance numbers and highlighted Rachel Zegler's performance as Snow White. Similarly, Owen Gleiberman from Variety regarded the film as one of the better live-action adaptations of a Disney classic, noting the CGI dwarfs' catchy personalities and comical expressions. Robbie Collins from The Telegraph echoed this sentiment, awarding the film three stars and praising its stylishly choreographed musical numbers.
On the other hand, many British publications have been less forgiving. Brian Viner from the Daily Mail gave the film only two stars, lamenting its muddled narrative despite its charming CGI forest animals. He remarked that Zegler's talent is underutilized in the film. The casting of Zegler, a Latina actress, as the iconic character has also sparked controversy, as Disney aims to diversify its character portrayals. Zegler has openly criticized the original animated film, stating that it features outdated themes about women's roles and relationships.
Adding to the film's tumultuous narrative are reports of tension between Zegler and co-star Gal Gadot, particularly regarding their differing views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. While Zegler has shared pro-Palestine sentiments on social media, Gadot, an Israeli citizen, has a military background. Despite rumors of discord, some sources assert that the two actresses have maintained a professional relationship, appearing together at public events.
Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian delivered a scathing one-star review, describing the film as an "exhaustingly awful reboot" with lackluster performances from Zegler and Gadot. Maher highlighted the film's scaled-back European premiere as a sign of its struggles, suggesting a potential crisis point for Disney, a studio once synonymous with cinematic excellence. Clarisse Loughrey from The Independent also gave the film one star, expressing disappointment in Disney's predictable formula-driven approach to storytelling.
With a production cost exceeding $270 million (£217 million), the late presale of tickets has raised eyebrows among industry insiders. As Disney continues to navigate the complexities of modern storytelling while trying to honor its legacy, the reception of Snow White may signal a pivotal moment for the studio. As audiences await its release, the film's mixed reviews serve as a reminder of the challenges faced in adapting beloved classics for contemporary viewers.
