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A Modern Fairy Tale: Is Disney’s New "Snow White" Suitable for Young Audiences?

Disney’s live-action reimagining of "Snow White," a timeless story beloved by generations, has arrived in theaters, sparking both excitement and controversy. Following in the footsteps of other Disney classics revived for a contemporary audience, this new "Snow White" boasts a fresh perspective, updated narrative elements, and original songs by Oscar-winning composers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Stepping into the iconic role of Snow White is Rachel Zegler, celebrated for her breakout performance in "West Side Story," while Gal Gadot portrays the formidable Evil Queen.

As the original animated "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" nears its centennial anniversary, the question arises: does this modern musical adaptation capture the magic of the original while remaining appropriate for young viewers? Let’s delve into what parents need to know before taking their children to see this new take on a classic fairy tale.

Familiar Story, Modern Twists

The core narrative of "Snow White" remains intact, offering a sense of familiarity for those acquainted with the original animated film. However, the new movie introduces several narrative tweaks and fleshes out Snow White’s character arc. We are introduced to Snow as an orphaned princess, relegated to the role of a scullery maid by her stepmother, the vain and power-hungry Evil Queen. The Queen’s obsession with being the "fairest of them all," fueled by her consultations with the Magic Mirror, sets the stage for the conflict.

This adaptation delves deeper into Snow White’s motivations and provides a more nuanced understanding of her character. When Snow begins to question the Queen’s unjust treatment of the kingdom’s people, the Queen’s envy intensifies, leading her to order the huntsman to eliminate Snow.

Instead of carrying out the Queen’s sinister command, the huntsman allows Snow to escape into the enchanted forest. There, she encounters Jonathan (played by Andrew Burnap), the leader of a band of bandits, and forms an unlikely alliance. Snow also finds solace and friendship with the seven dwarfs – Sneezy, Sleepy, Bashful, Grumpy, Happy, Dopey, and Doc – who offer her refuge and support. Together, they devise a plan to challenge the Queen’s reign of terror, but the Queen, in disguise, thwarts their plans by presenting Snow with a poisoned apple, plunging her into a deep sleep.

Rachel Zegler as Snow White: A Star on the Rise

Rachel Zegler brings a contemporary sensibility to the role of Snow White. Fresh off her Golden Globe-winning performance as Maria in Steven Spielberg’s "West Side Story" remake, Zegler infuses the character with strength, resilience, and a genuine sense of compassion. This film provides the ideal platform for her to showcase her acting and musical talents. Beyond her role as the fairest of them all, Zegler has become a familiar face in the entertainment industry, making apperances in "Shazam! Fury of the Gods", "Hunger Games" and "Spellbound" further cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s rising stars.

A Deeper Dive into Snow White’s Backstory

Unlike the original animated film, which provided limited backstory, this adaptation explores Snow White’s childhood and familial relationships in greater detail. The film opens with a musical number featuring young Snow and her parents, offering a glimpse into their idyllic life filled with warmth, love, and plenty of pies. However, tragedy strikes when Snow’s mother passes away at a young age. Her father, in search of happiness, remarries the Evil Queen, played by Gal Gadot.

Unfortunately, Snow’s father ventures off to another kingdom and never returns, leaving Snow at the mercy of her stepmother. His fate remains a mystery throughout much of the film, fueling Snow’s hope that he will one day return. This exploration of Snow’s past adds emotional depth to her character and provides context for her unwavering optimism.

PG Rating and Thematic Elements

While the original "Snow White" was rated G, this new adaptation carries a PG rating for "violence, some peril, thematic elements, and brief rude humor." While G-rated movies are increasingly rare, this PG rating doesn’t necessarily indicate that the film is unsuitable for younger viewers. In fact, the film delivers an important message for children, championing kindness, empathy, and courage over cruelty and tyranny. Zegler’s portrayal of Snow White highlights the importance of treating others with respect and remembering their names, reinforcing the power of simple acts of kindness.

Controversy and Context

The film has faced controversy over the casting of Rachel Zegler, who is of Colombian descent, as Snow White, a character traditionally described as being "white as snow" in the Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Additionally, Zegler received backlash for criticizing the original film’s portrayal of the prince and its perceived lack of female agency. Peter Dinklage also voiced concerns about the film’s depiction of dwarfs.

More recently, political views of Gadot and Zegler have entered the conversation. Activist groups have called for boycotts due to Gadot’s pro-Israel stance on the war in Gaza, while Zegler has been very pro-Palestine and anti-Trump on social media.

However, these controversies are unlikely to impact children’s enjoyment of the film. It is important to separate these issues from the merits of the film itself and its message of kindness, courage, and perseverance.

Moments of Peril and Fright

While the film is generally suitable for most ages, there are a few moments that might require parents to hold the hands of very young children. Snow’s escape through the magical forest involves encounters with menacing branches, an angry-looking monster tree, and a perilous journey through raging rapids. These scenes, while not overly graphic, may be intense for sensitive viewers.

The scene where Snow bites into the poisoned apple and falls into a deep sleep is also potentially traumatic, although, as in the original, she ultimately recovers. Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the Evil Queen leans towards campy rather than overtly scary, but her ultimate fate is somewhat unsettling.

CGI Dwarfs: A Matter of Taste

One aspect of the film that may divide audiences is the CGI depiction of the dwarfs. Some grown-ups may find their appearance jarring and out of place, but younger viewers are likely to embrace their whimsical and exaggerated features.

Availability and Streaming

"Snow White" is currently playing in theaters. For those who prefer to watch movies from the comfort of their homes, the film will likely be available on-demand in late May or early June, followed by a release on Disney+ sometime this summer. This streaming availability will provide families with more options for viewing the film.

In conclusion, Disney’s live-action "Snow White" offers a fresh and engaging take on a beloved fairy tale. While it incorporates modern sensibilities and tackles important themes, it remains a suitable and entertaining film for most young audiences. By emphasizing kindness, courage, and empathy, this new "Snow White" delivers a valuable message for children while providing an enjoyable cinematic experience.