Snow White, a fresh live-action musical adaptation of the beloved fairy tale, brings a unique twist to the classic story. This new film, described as an "un-Wicked" take, aims to reinvent the Snow White myth by offering a modern reinterpretation while retaining its traditional narrative beats. The film serves not only as a reimagined narrative but also as a merch-enabling enterprise, designed to captivate audiences and drive commercial success.
Set in a world where the stepmother-witch keeps Snow White in Cinderella-style servitude, the story unfolds with Snow White empathizing with the impoverished population around her. The magical mirror delivers disheartening news about a shift in the kingdom's beauty rankings, prompting Snow White to escape to the forest. Meanwhile, the huntsman deceives the witch by claiming he has killed Snow White, adding an element of intrigue and danger to her flight.
The film delves into Snow White's past, revealing her loving upbringing by the King and Queen. After her mother's death, the King becomes entranced by a mysterious noblewoman with witch-like qualities at court. This new character adds complexity to the narrative, while Gadot's portrayal is marked by her seductively and disdainfully pursed lips, bringing an enigmatic quality to the role.
Though the film includes a few memorable musical moments, it largely follows the trend of revisionist-lite reboots, similar to previous adaptations such as Mirror Mirror and Snow White and the Huntsman. In this version, the familiar themes of jealousy and beauty are explored with a fresh perspective, yet it remains anchored in traditional storytelling motifs.