The reviews are in … and Disney‘s live-action adaptation of Snow White, starring Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot, has been widely panned by critics.

While some reviews praise Zegler’s performance and acknowledge the film’s attempt to modernize the classic, others deride it as an unnecessary, lackluster cash grab that fails to capture the magic of the original 1937 animated classic.

Below is a compilation of notable critiques:​

The Times of London: Disney Has Trashed Its Crown Jewel

The Times’s Kevin Maher delivers one of the harshest reviews, calling Snow White “a new low for cultural desecration.” The review criticizes the film for its overly political approach, arguing that it prioritizes messaging over storytelling. The adaptation removes references to Snow White’s “white as snow” skin and alters her character arc, replacing romance with a theme of self-empowerment. The CGI dwarfs are described as “problematic” and “photorealistic computer-generated versions of the animated characters,” while the new songs, such as Waiting on a Wish, are dismissed as saccharine and uninspired. The review laments Disney’s trend of “murdering” their own movies to suit contemporary sensibilities. Maher advises: “Bring a sick bag.” (1/5 stars)

The Guardian: Pointless, Exhausting

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian delivers a harsh assessment, labeling the film as “exhaustingly awful” and criticizing its “pseudo-progressive” revisions. He argues that the modernizations feel forced rather than inspired, stripping the story of its original charm. Bradshaw also takes issue with the CGI replacements for the seven dwarfs, calling them “tiring” and emblematic of Disney’s misguided efforts at inclusivity. Ultimately, he sees the film as a cynical corporate exercise rather than a genuine reinvention. (1/5 stars)

The New York Times: A Mediocre Remake

Manohla Dargis of The New York Times offers a nuanced critique, describing the film as “perfectly adequate” but expressing reservations about its overt political messaging. She notes that while the film has been labeled as “woke,” the overall impact of Snow White’s liberation struggle is minimal. Dargis highlights Rachel Zegler’s charm and vocal prowess, acknowledging her ability to hold the center of this busy, overproduced movie. However, she criticizes the film’s mediocrity and questions the necessity of Disney’s formulaic exploitation of its archives and our memories.​​ (No star rating given)

Rachel Zegler at the European event for Disney’s “Snow White” at Alcazar de Segovia on March 12, 2025 in Segovia, Spain. Rachel Zegler at the European event for Disney’s “Snow White” at Alcazar de Segovia on March 12, 2025 in Segovia, Spain. Photo by Pablo Cuadra/Getty Images for Disney

The Boston Globe: A Misfire, But Zegler Shines

The Boston Globe’s Odie Henderson criticizes Snow White as an unnecessary remake that fails to justify its existence. The review describes the film as “bad in all sorts of ways,” pointing to Marc Webb’s direction, lackluster songs, and the uninspired CGI dwarf characters as major flaws. While the review notes that Rachel Zegler is a standout performer, it argues that she is let down by weak material and lackluster co-stars. Gal Gadot’s performance as the Evil Queen is singled out as particularly ineffective. Ultimately, the review concludes that the film belongs in the “massive misfire bucket” of Disney remakes. (1.5/5 stars)

The Telegraph: Better Than Expected

In contrast, The Telegraph’s Robbie Collin offers a more balanced perspective, acknowledging the controversies surrounding the film but ultimately finding it better than anticipated. The review notes that while the film has faced criticism for its modern interpretations, it does not engage in unnecessary “girl-bossing” or subversion for its own sake. The Telegraph awards the film 3 out of 5 stars, suggesting that despite the pre-release backlash, the movie manages to deliver a respectable retelling of the classic tale. (3/5 stars)​

Empire: A Compromised Vision

Helen O’Hara of Empire critiques the film for its inconsistent tone and problematic visual effects. She acknowledges the committed performances of Zegler and Gadot but argues that the film feels compromised, as if “Frankensteined into submission in the edit.” O’Hara is particularly critical of the depiction of the dwarfs, describing them as an “unholy VFX disaster” that slows the film’s pacing. She concludes that the movie seems unlikely to have a lasting or significant impact. (2/5 stars)​

Variety: A Politically Charged Interpretation

Owen Gleiberman of Variety offers a mixed review, noting that while Rachel Zegler brings a “pertly appealing glow” to the role of Snow White, the film’s attempt to infuse a pointed political message feels both unexpected and heavy-handed. He observes that the Evil Queen is portrayed with fascist undertones, making the narrative’s political allegory overt. Gleiberman concludes that although the film is lighter and more frolicsome than some of Disney’s other live-action remakes, it struggles to find its footing amidst its contemporary political commentary. (No star rating given)

Final Verdict: A Misstep from Disney

Disney’s Snow White remake has sparked a spectrum of critical responses, ranging from harsh criticism to moderate praise, reflecting the challenges inherent in reimagining classic tales for contemporary audiences. While Zegler earns accolades for her performance, critics largely agree that the film lacks the magic, necessity, and coherence to stand alongside the original. Whether audiences will embrace this modernized take remains to be seen, but for now, Snow White is shaping up as one of Disney’s most disappointing remakes yet.