Disney’s newly released Snow White has been surrounded by controversy since it was first announced. Now that it’s finally hit screens, the reaction is historically bad: the movie holds a shocking 1.5/10 rating on IMDb.

Several factors contributed to the film’s failure – poor costume design, the decision to animate the dwarves instead of casting little people, and, most notoriously, a lead actress who hates the story she was hired to tell.

A heroine who rejected her own fairytale

Rachel Zegler, who plays Snow White, made headlines for her dismissive remarks during press interviews. “She’s not gonna be saved by the prince, and she’s not gonna be dreaming about true love!” she declared. Zegler also labeled the prince a “stalker” and took issue with the iconic kiss, saying Snow White didn’t consent to it.

But what Zegler misses is that the most gothic elements of classic fairy tales – dragons, lethal spinning wheels, and princes-turned-frogs – symbolize deeper spiritual and moral truths. And it is precisely these truths that the modern world needs most.

Why fairytales still matter in a modern world

The classic “prince saves princess” trope isn’t just a relic of patriarchy or a sign that women are helpless without men. Instead, it reflects a universal truth: the human soul cannot save himself. We all – men and women alike – need a savior.

In Christian theology, the soul is often depicted in feminine terms, and God is portrayed as a pursuing lover or spouse. This theme runs throughout Scripture, especially in passages like Ephesians 5:25, where St. Paul writes:

The prince as a Christ figure

In traditional versions of Snow White, the prince awakens the princess from death – either with a kiss (in the 2025 and 1937 films) or when his men accidentally dislodge the poisoned apple from her throat (in the original Grimm version).

Notably, Snow White dies after eating a forbidden apple – despite being warned repeatedly not to open the door to strangers. Before taking the bite, she hesitates but ultimately gives in to temptation. As the Grimm brothers wrote, “Snow-White longed for the beautiful apple… she could no longer resist.”

The symbolism is striking: Like Adam and Eve, Snow White dies as a result of temptation. And like Christ rescuing souls from death, the prince comes to save her.

Salvation, marriage, and the fairytale ending

In Christian belief, Christ descended into Hell after His crucifixion to free the righteous dead and bring them to Heaven. A second-century Holy Saturday homily describes this moment with haunting beauty:

This union echoes the language of marriage  – of becoming “one flesh.” Similarly, when the prince in Snow White asks the dwarves for her coffin, he promises, “I will honor her and respect her as my most cherished one.” After saving her, they marry – a symbol of the soul’s union with Christ at the heavenly wedding feast.

The deeper magic of fairy tales

In a culture that prizes independence and self-sufficiency, fairy tales offer a countercultural message. Salvation is not earned; it’s a gift to be received with humility. They remind us that, despite our failures and weaknesses, we are pursued by a love far greater than our own.