The live-action adaptation of Snow White (2025), with a budget of $270 million from Disney, has been receiving numerous unfavorable reviews from critics. The film has been described as “meaningless” and “a dull adaptation lacking creativity.”
Critics’ Reviews of Snow White 2025
The film features performances by “Snow White” Rachel Zegler and “Evil Queen” Gal Gadot, alongside CGI-generated dwarfs. This version is a remake of the classic animated film from 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and currently holds a disappointing 48% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 87 reviews.
Peter Bradshaw from The Guardian awarded Snow White one star. He called it a “meaningless reboot” and described it as “a dull adaptation lacking creativity,” criticizing the “cringe-worthy CGI-generated dwarfs.”
Brian Viner from the Daily Mail gave Snow White two stars, calling it “a tedious endeavor” and “the most pointless remake,” although he acknowledged Zegler’s “abundant talent.” Viner remarked, “Disney’s attempts to avoid offending anyone have resulted in a film that feels flat and uninspired.”
Clarisse Loughrey from The Independent rated the film two stars as well, criticizing it for being “a corporatized version of the Brothers Grimm tale,” which resulted in a narrative that felt devoid of charm. Loughrey noted, “The dwarfs have been replaced by clunky CGI characters.”
Helen O’Hara from Empire also gave Snow White two stars, expressing that the dwarfs seemed to be “a horror show, dragging down the film whenever they appeared.”
Johnny Oleksinski from the New York Post referred to the live-action adaptation as “a boring, forgettable Disney product,” stating that it “loses its emotional core by the time it concludes.”
David Fear from Rolling Stone noted that Snow White was “a dreary exercise in unimaginative storytelling.” He added, “The film is fundamentally unengaging, likely to put viewers to sleep.”
Lead Actress Rachel Zegler Shines Despite Criticism
Despite the backlash the film has received, many critics have praised lead actress Rachel Zegler’s performance.
The 23-year-old star has been recognized as the “heart and soul” of this adaptation. However, Zegler has faced significant pressure, often being critiqued for not fitting the traditional image of Snow White as depicted in earlier versions.
Rachel Zegler, born in 2001, has been active in the industry for over a decade, contributing to several high-profile projects in Hollywood, including West Side Story, Shazam! Fury of the Gods, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes. Her role in West Side Story, directed by Steven Spielberg, earned her a Golden Globe award at a young age.
Even without the “snow-white” complexion traditionally associated with the character, Zegler has been recognized for embodying the role. Not only does she captivate audiences with her vibrant energy and acting skills, but she also possesses a stunning singing voice that enhances her performance.
Owen Gleiberman from Variety praised the film for its vibrant visuals, stating that it “brings a liveliness to the film.” He remarked that it is “one of the better live-action adaptations of Disney animated films.” Gleiberman also commended Zegler’s performance: “Rachel Zegler, as Snow White, shines brilliantly, captivating.” He added, “Gadot’s vocal performance has a more operatic quality, yet she still creates a strong villainous presence.”
David Rooney from The Hollywood Reporter praised Zegler for “bringing light and beauty to the role.” Rooney noted, “Even those with strong reservations about the film may find it hard to deny that it is not a total loss.”
