The latest installment in the DC Universe arrives in theaters this weekend with Supergirl, directed by Craig Gillespie, whose previous credits include I, Tonya, Cruella, and Dumb Money. Based on the acclaimed comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the film stars Millie Alcock as Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl.
Alcock does an excellent job making the character her own. She brings a unique energy and personality to Kara, and I enjoyed watching her journey unfold throughout the film. Joining her is Eve Ridley as Ruthye, a young girl whose family is murdered by the villainous Krem of the Yellow Hills, played by Matthias Schoenaerts. Seeking revenge, Ruthye turns to Supergirl for help. Kara initially resists getting involved, but after Krem harms someone important to her, she reluctantly joins Ruthie on a mission to stop him.
Along the way, the pair encounter the anti-hero Lobo, played by Jason Momoa. Ever since Momoa was announced for the role, it felt like perfect casting. Many fans thought so even back when he was first cast as Aquaman, and seeing him finally step into the role of Lobo is undeniably exciting.
Overall, I found Supergirl to be an enjoyable film, but I would be lying if I said I loved it. After how much I enjoyed last year’s Superman, I was hoping this would continue the DCU’s momentum with the same level of quality. Superman felt like a strong and hopeful introduction to this new era of DC storytelling, and I was eager to see that success continue here.
To be clear, Supergirl is a well-made film. The practical effects, production design, locations, costumes, cinematography, and musical score are all impressive. The cast is strong across the board, and there is plenty of talent both in front of and behind the camera. Unfortunately, I found the story itself to be fairly generic and often very familiar.
While the film draws from a beloved comic storyline, its overall structure feels similar to many comic book films that have come before it. Kara begins the story weakened and adrift, living on a planet with a red sun that deprives her of her powers. She spends much of her time drinking and avoiding responsibility before reluctantly stepping into the role of a hero. It’s a serviceable character arc, but one that rarely surprised me.
The biggest issue for me was that the character work often felt hollow. Ruthye serves an important role in the narrative, but for much of the film she functions more as a utility character than a fully realized person. She primarily acts as Kara’s moral compass or finds herself in situations that require rescuing. It is not until the final stretch of the film that she receives meaningful character moments of her own.
Krem is similarly underdeveloped. Matthias Schoenaerts delivers a committed performance, and the character has the presence of a classic, mustache-twirling villain. However, despite being entertaining in the moment, he ultimately falls into the category of a fairly forgettable comic book antagonist.
Ironically, I found myself more interested in Lobo. Jason Momoa is fantastic in the role and captures exactly the kind of chaotic energy fans would expect from the character. However, the film does surprisingly little with him. Outside of a handful of memorable moments, Lobo has minimal impact on the overall narrative, which left me questioning whether he needed to be part of the story at all. In some ways, I think he may have made for a more compelling primary antagonist.
While the story remains engaging enough to follow, it never feels especially substantial. There are several scenes that clearly aim for emotional impact, whether through the performances or the swelling score, but those moments never connected with me the way they seemed intended to. Unlike Superman, which resonated emotionally and captured the hopeful spirit of its hero, Supergirl often left me feeling detached.
James Gunn’s influence as the architect of the DCU is evident throughout the film. There are elements that feel reminiscent of the Guardians of the Galaxy movies, particularly in the blend of humor, heart, and cosmic adventure. However, without Gunn in the director’s chair, the film lacks some of the spark and charm that made those films so memorable.
One aspect I genuinely loved was the film’s exploration of Krypton. The flashback sequences depicting the planet’s downfall add welcome depth to Kara’s story and help distinguish her experiences from Superman’s. I also appreciated the brief appearances from David Corenswet as Superman. His cameos never feel forced or distracting. Rather than stealing the spotlight, he exists on the periphery as a supportive cousin, which was a refreshing approach.
In the end, I think Supergirl succeeds as an entertaining and visually impressive superhero adventure. Millie Alcock is a strong lead, the action delivers, and the film further establishes Supergirl as an important part of the DCU’s future. However, the story never reaches the emotional or narrative heights I was hoping for.
When I think about the major comic book films on the horizon, including highly anticipated projects like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Avengers: Doomsday, it’s difficult for me to imagine Supergirl standing near the top of many year-end lists. While I enjoyed my time with it, I suspect it may become one of the more forgettable entries in the growing DCU.
I liked Supergirl. I just didn’t love it.
Rating: 6.5/10