Support Us
Sign Up
As James Gunn’s new DC Universe begins to take flight, director Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl (2026) arrives with a heavy burden of expectation. Moving away from the bright, optimistic tones historically associated with the House of El, this adaptation swings for a significantly darker, grittier sci fi landscape. Starring Milly Alcock as Kara Zor El, the film attempts to carve out a distinct identity early in this burgeoning cinematic universe. While it delivers striking visual set pieces and exceptional character chemistry, the final product is ultimately held back by an erratic structural flow that prevents its grand cosmic narrative from truly achieving liftoff.
The narrative follows a hardened, cynical Kara Zor El, deeply shaped by surviving the destruction of her home planet. Celebrating her 23rd birthday, she is thrust into an interstellar journey across the galaxy alongside a young alien girl named Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley). Seeking vengeance against Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), a ruthless space pirate responsible for a deeply personal tragedy, Kara must navigate dangerous frontiers, bounty hunters, and her own trauma. It’s a quest for justice that tests her limits, forcing the disillusioned heroine to decide what kind of hero she wants to become.
The brightest spark of the film is Milly Alcock, who is flat out great as Kara. She effortlessly embodies an attitudinal, jaded Heroine, bringing a fierce edge that feels entirely earned. Alcock shares great chemistry with Eve Ridley’s Ruthye; their dynamic provides the film the emotional anchor. Equally magnetic is Jason Momoa, an absolute standout as the mercenary Lobo. Momoa proves he was born to play the character, injecting chaotic, thrilling energy into every scene he populates.
Furthermore, David Corenswet’s Superman makes a brief appearance that provides a vital counterweight to the film’s harshness. Despite having very few scenes together, Corenswet and Alcock share a beautiful, natural warmth. Their dynamic brings a much needed sense of balance and heart to the narrative, leaving audiences wishing the film had carved out more time for their interactions.
Unfortunately, the film’s technical execution frequently stumbles where its cast succeeds. The biggest structural issue lies in the editing room. Supergirl is cut and paced in a fragmented way that causes the overarching storyline to feel disappointingly flat. Because the script is based on Tom King’s acclaimed Woman of Tomorrow comic book series, it’s frustrating to watch the screenplay merely scratch the surface of that incredibly rich source material.
Supergirl Soars on Milly Alcock’s Fierce Star Turn — Even When Its Cosmic Ambition Outpaces Its Editing
This surface level approach is most evident in the film’s central antagonist, Krem. He feels completely forgettable, registering more like an uninspired, C level villain from the early days of the MCU than a menacing galactic threat. He functions primarily as a convenient plot device rather than a fully fleshed out character. On a technical level, the visual effects and action choreography are solid, with Supergirl’s raw power displays serving as a major visual highlight, but the erratic pacing continuously undercuts the tension.
“Supergirl soars thanks to Milly Alcock’s jaded, powerful lead performance and Jason Momoa’s scene-stealing Lobo. The movie stumbles in its pacing, but its heart and ambition still shine through.”
Ultimately, Supergirl is a highly entertaining and visually engaging installment for the new DC Universe, even if it lacks the profound emotional depth of its comic book predecessor. The film introduces notable changes to Kara’s characterization that will drastically alter how she interacts with other major DC icons moving forward. While the choppy editing keeps it from being a masterpiece, Alcock’s stellar performance and the film’s bold sci fi scale build genuine excitement for Man of Tomorrow, where Kara is set to appear next.
Grade: B-
Follow us on MSN for more content like this.
Supergirl
When an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes too close to home, Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion on an epic, interstellar journey of vengeance and justice.
