SUPERGIRL MOVIE REVIEW: A Delightful Surprise For Modern Audiences!
- Jun 26
- 6 min read
It has been nearly a year since the recent release of the newly re-imagined Superman reboot directed by co-CEO James Gunn and produced alongside studio executive Peter Safran. Now starring an entirely new generation of actors in David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, & Nicholas Hoult. Each of whom has become a primary face for a modern take on the beloved DC world that has moved & inspired audiences worldwide.
Entering June 2026, fans have finally been introduced to another newcomer being the talented & beloved Milly Alcock. Best known for her role as young princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in one of HBO's most acclaimed television series to date, House Of The Dragon. Throughout the first season, Alcock quickly evolved into a fan favorite among viewers and critics alike. Becoming, what many would argue, a major catalyst for why devoted fans willingly returned in support of a once highly popular franchise.
Earlier in March, Alcock spoke with Vanity Fair, sharing her thoughts on how apprehensive she was to join another cinematic world, but ultimately decided by the end to push past her fears and overcome her professional anxiety.
“I was so shit-scared that my life was over at 22,”
“And, of course, it wasn’t.” When the opportunity to play the Girl of Steel came along,
“I kind of bullied myself into it.”
Alcock has spoken highly of many iconic figures that loosely inspired her transition into the acting business, but a person in particular who empowered her most of all was none other than her own mother. A woman whom she proudly mentions played a pivotal part in helping her gain the confidence needed to pursue such a daunting role, as Supergirl.
REVIEW
Finally stepping into my review, I'm proud to share that I was one of the lucky ones who got the opportunity to attend an early screening of the second entry to the DCU titled Supergirl (2026)!
Directed by widely respected filmmaker Craig Gillespie and written by screenwriter Ana Nogueira, Supergirl acts as a soft semi-sequel to James Gunn's first film, Superman (2025). This time, following the cousin of Kal-El, Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock).
Initially faced with an unimaginable tragedy, Kara is left to witness firsthand the final, abrupt days of her planet, Krypton. Now at her absolute lowest, Kara is not the least bit interested in wanting to be a hero, unlike Clark. Given the immense loss she has endured for most of her life.
Met with a task of wanting to save a young girl's innocence, along with working against time to save her dog Krypto from a deadly virus, Kara is taken on a space-opera journey of self-discovery. Striving to cope with the raw reality of her now extinct culture. While also beginning a new path forward in understanding what it means to stand as a beacon of hope for those unable to protect themselves.
Throughout my first experience in theaters, I would honestly say that, for the most part, I truly enjoyed myself as a fan of this franchise. Now, of course, the story isn't perfect by any means, and definitely has its flaws, but as a whole, it stands as a fun ride for those who may not be fully aware of the character or her origins. A great detour from a cliche setting, such as Earth. Giving audiences a brand-new twist they may not expect from this genre.
Milly Alcock stars as Kara Zor-El / Supergirl and is our primary protagonist of this latest chapter in James Gunn's DCU. Right away, I can confirm to all that Alcock was an amazing choice for this fresh, bold take on a character whom many would argue possesses an almost opposite persona to that of Clark Kent. Despite being family to the House of El, Kara sees the world with much more realism rather than the optimism instilled by Corenswet as the Man of Steel. Throughout the movie, Alcock does a great job giving us a true glimpse of the pain this new version of Kara mentally grapples with early in life. It is a solid performance from start to finish, and adds a unique spark to the future dynamic she'll likely have with Corenswet in future DC projects to come. A pleasant, but welcome surprise to the overall cast of actors that are slowly coming together with each new title in the DCU.
Alcock's chemistry with her young co-star Eve Ridley is also beautifully showcased on screen. Serving as an immediate reflection of a sister-like bond we rarely see within superhero films today. Ridley, who plays an alien girl by the name of Ruthye Marye Knoll, is set out on a path of self-destruction to avenge her family's death, and throughout the story, we gradually begin to see both her and Kara wrestle with their feelings of grief. Later on, rising as the heroes needed for each other, to help build towards a new path of peace.
Director Craig Gillespie, who's best known for the Oscar-winning film I, Tonya, alongside other major titles in Disney's Cruella, and the biographical comedy-drama Dumb Money, does an outstanding job creating a visually exciting setting within the outer galaxy. While of course, adding his very own spin to a highly popular comic book titled Supergirl: Woman Of Tomorrow, written by Tom King. The series stands as the overall inspiration and blueprint of the film itself and spans across eight issues in total. Gaining a large following amongst fanbases starting from the year 2021 to its final release in 2022.
SYNOPSIS:
" 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. "
Much of the film's premise is smaller in scale compared to that of Gunn's first entry, but it works as a solo exploration into more of who Kara is as a Kryptonian, her beliefs on what it means to be a hero, and lastly, what the overall universe may have to offer as a whole for long-time fans and newcomers alike.
As for the antagonist known as Krem Of The Yellow Hills, played by actor Matthias Schoenaerts, I'd say his story is probably the least exciting part of this film for me, and that was to be expected. For many unaware, Krem is not a widely known recurring villain from Kara's past. This may explain why the character is one of the weakest parts of the overall plot.
Schoenaerts does well with the material he is given, but all in all, I believe his origins needed more depth to help in creating the grounded emotional third act we fall into towards the climax.
Jason Momoa as Lobo is probably the most common-sense casting imaginable. His role, while small, is gratifying to watch in its entirety. I will even go so far as stating he's a much better fit for the beloved bounty hunter than his previous role as Aquaman. Momoa truly shines as this character, and feels more at home than I've ever seen him before working with DC. If audiences are lucky, we'll probably see him again for future titles down the line.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
As a whole, I will admit that I wasn't too blown away by this film like Superman (2025) or other DC favorites of mine that have come before, but regardless, I had a good time and would check it out again in the near future. Definitely a delightful surprise for modern audiences!
I believe anyone who may be remotely interested in wanting to explore more of the new DC Cinematic Universe, or who is just a hardcore fan of the comics, should try giving the film a chance first before hearing outside opinions. You may very well appreciate the message this story has to say.
Thank you all for reading! Be on the lookout for more of my articles to come soon, and wishing everyone a safe year ahead. Peace to all!
Take care.
SUPERGIRL TRAILER:
SUPERGIRL CAST INTERVIEW:
SOUNDTRACK BY CLAUDIA SARNE:
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