Disney’s new live-action version of Snow White was released on March 21, 2025, and is starting to show in movie theaters worldwide.
Throughout the movie, many ideas are reflected through symbolism and foreshadowing. In the beginning, Snow White’s father gives her a heart-shaped necklace that says “fearless, fair, brave, and true”, representing the mindset Snow White carries throughout the movie. Also, when the King remarries Snow White’s future stepmother, she is wearing green, which represents the evil she will bring to the family. After the King is sent away by the Queen and dies, the town is stuck in a cloud that represents the deterioration of the town as he dies, leaving only the Evil Queen in charge.
When Snow White and her new stepmother are introduced to each other, the rose they hold together is white, representing innocence and hope for the future. When the King dies, and it is just Snow White and her stepmother, the rose they have shared turns black and vanishes into ashes. Snow White is also introduced in a kitchen full of apples, which foreshadows the tragic event of when Snow White eats the poisoned apple. When the Queen, disguised as an old woman, approaches the cabin, all the animals start to get frightened and run away, and when Snow White takes a bite of the poisonous apple, thunder strikes, representing the dark energy the Evil Queen portrays in the movie.
Franie DeOrio states, “ Honestly, I think Snow White should have been left animated because watching a cartoon is way better. I am not a big fan of musicals, so it was a bit boring for me. In the live-action version, there were a lot of unnecessary songs.”
During the movie, there are many instances where Snow White has shown nothing but kindness towards everyone she meets. This includes when someone is stealing food from the castle, she lets him go and does not tell the Queen. Another example of this is when Snow White meets the dwarfs and unites them by teaching them how to clean and whistle at the same time. Towards the end of the movie, when Snow White is allowed to kill the Evil Queen to replace her, however, she does not take that chance – out of kindness in her heart. Despite the constant negative influence of her stepmother’s evil mindset, it never changes her and to how she treats others.
Demetra Koutsothanasis says, “I think that the live action does bring more to the story. In the movie, the town was filled with diversity, which I think makes it more realistic and relevant to today’s everyday life.” This shows how live-action brings a more relatable and realistic perception of people today. This also could make certain diverse groups feel more included because of this movie.
When Snow White is alive, the mirror keeps on saying she is the fairest of them all instead of the Evil Queen due to the true and pure intentions she keeps in her heart. The magic mirror teaches viewers the importance of having a faithful, kind, and giving heart.
Although the movie has great visuals, if you want to see a movie this weekend, the new Snow White movie may not be the best option.
