Warning: SPOILERS for both Snow White and Disenchanted.
Disney’s Latest Live-Action Remake: A Polarizing Perspective
Critics have expressed a general consensus regarding the Snow White remake, particularly its portrayal of the Evil Queen, which many have found lacking. Amidst the swirl of controversies surrounding this latest Disney release, substantive critiques often fly under the radar. A focal point of debate has been Gal Gadot’s depiction of the villain, whose performance and the new villain song “All Is Fair” have attracted mixed reviews. Additionally, the Evil Queen’s fate at the end of the film hints at the potential for a sequel that might not be needed.
Disenchanted Offers a More Engaging Interpretation of the Evil Queen
Interestingly, just three years prior, Disney introduced a different take on the Evil Queen in the streaming sequel Disenchanted, which many argue surpasses Gadot’s portrayal. While the plot of Disenchanted bears no resemblance to that of Snow White, its primary villain, Malvina Monroe, visually draws on the classic design of Snow White’s notorious stepmother. Upon revisiting Disenchanted, the comparisons to Snow White’s Evil Queen become almost unavoidable.
Malvina Monroe: A More Active Threat With Credible Motivations
Unlike the Evil Queen from Snow White, who primarily consults her magic mirror to assess her beauty, Malvina Monroe leverages her mirror to aggrandize her own magical powers. This deeper thirst for strength renders her a far more formidable adversary, endangering the lives of protagonist Giselle, her stepdaughter Morgan, and ultimately all of the magical realm of Andalasia.
Malvina’s more complex motivations enhance the dramatic stakes in Disenchanted, leading to a plot twist that resonates more powerfully with audiences. While one common critique of the sequel is that Giselle’s character transformation into a wicked stepmother detracts from her original role, this shift introduces a compelling dynamic as Giselle strives to challenge Malvina’s existing authority. This conflict culminates in the electrifying villain song “Badder,” contributing to an otherwise superfluous sequel.
Gal Gadot’s Underdeveloped Evil Queen in Snow White
Missed Opportunities in Character Development
Despite the impressive villain song “Badder” in Disenchanted, the Evil Queen’s song “All Is Fair” has faced significant criticism for being uninspired. Unlike classic villain anthems such as “Be Prepared” from The Lion King, which underscore key character decisions, “All Is Fair” fails to deepen our understanding of the Queen’s motivations or objectives. Although the remake gives her more screen time than the animated original, the added context merely reinforces her superficial obsession with beauty, as seen in her preference for diamonds over roses.
The lack of character depth is further illustrated by the ambiguity surrounding the Evil Queen’s demise. While Snow White establishes the Magic Mirror as a tool for answering questions, the conclusion reveals a shocking twist about the Mirror’s true nature. The revelation that the Queen has been misled regarding its capabilities leaves viewers questioning her understanding of the artifact and its fatal consequences. Although the recent remake seeks to expand on Snow White’s character, it arguably neglects the opportunity to similarly enrich the backstory of her malevolent stepmother.