Director: Craig Gillespie
Writers: Ana Nogueira
Stars: Milly Alcock, Matthias Schoenaerts, Eve Ridley, Jason Momoa
Synopsis: Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, joins forces with an unlikely companion on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice when an unexpected adversary strikes too close to home.
Even with audiences screaming about superhero fatigue, comic book adaptations continue to dominate modern cinema and streaming services because, at their best, they tap into something timeless: identity, hope, fear, power, and belonging wrapped inside spectacular escapism. Following the enormous success of Superman, which successfully reintroduced optimism and emotional sincerity back into the DC universe, expectations for Supergirl were understandably huge. And unfortunately, Gillespie’s latest superhero epic largely under-delivers, offering a film that tries too hard to prove it’s female empowerment, and doesn’t allow Supergirl to step out of Superman’s shadow.
You can tell that Gillespie is trying to embody Gunn’s fingerprints, through the attempt at sharp humor, eccentric supporting characters, emotional vulnerability, and bouncy soundtrack- but the film feels notably more melancholic and struggles to find balance. Beneath the explosive action and intergalactic spectacle, he’s tried to create a story deeply concerned with loneliness, trauma, and identity. But, due to a fairly poor script and poor character arcs, the film misses every opportunity to make a mark.
The film presents Kara Zor-El as a fundamentally different hero from Clark Kent. Superman was raised with emotional stability and a strong sense of hope, whilst Kara remembers Krypton’s destruction firsthand. That lingering grief shapes the entire film. Rather than portraying her as simply “female Superman,” Supergirl leans into her emotional scars, making her feel far more volatile, impulsive, and emotionally conflicted. And Milly Alcock’s performance is the only reason to keep watching.
Alcock captures both the character’s vulnerability and recklessness effectively, giving the film an emotional anchor. I just wish her supporting cast had the same energy and comedic timing. The supporting characters (not actors) were a let down. Unfortunately the young girl’s character never fully gets her moment in the spotlight and if you take her character out after the Krypto is shot, it doesn’t affect the plot. I was also very disheartened when the two female leads are in peril and given the chance to rise up, they’re saved by a man. For a film that’s trying very hard to be a female empowering flick, this really dampened the tone.
The supporting characters (not actors) were a let down. Unfortunately the young girl’s character never fully gets her moment in the spotlight and if you take her character out after the Krypto is shot, it doesn’t affect the plot. I was also very disheartened when the two female leads are in peril and given the chance to rise up, they’re saved by a man. For a film that’s trying very hard to be a female empowering flick, this really dampened the tone.
Visually, Supergirl is stunning for much of its runtime. The film embraces the weirder side of DC’s cosmic mythology, resulting in a film packed with colorful alien worlds, strange creatures, and enormous action sequences that feel refreshingly imaginative compared to the increasingly grey aesthetic dominating many superhero films.
The action itself is consistently entertaining. But the fight choreography lacks luster. Each scene felt the same and I think much of this comes down to Supergirl having no one to bounce off. In Superman, he’s joined by other heroes such as The Green Lantern. In Guardians of the Galaxy, there are at least five characters worth in the fight scenes, allowing for range and fun verbal banter. In Supergirl, the two supporting characters feel superfluous to requirements – which is a huge shame.
But the worst part was the soundtrack. I have absolutely no idea who signed off on all those slow, boring songs, which added nothing to the emotion or the pace of the film.
Like many modern superhero films, it occasionally struggles under the weight of its own ambition. The middle act becomes slightly overcrowded with side characters, mythology, and universe-building setup that sometimes distract from Kara’s personal journey. There are moments where the film feels caught between telling a focused character story and functioning as another stepping stone for the wider DC universe.
Overall, I did have fun with Supergirl, but I wish its intentions and characters were stronger. I appreciate the commitment to the character’s vulnerability, presenting Kara as wounded, confused, isolated, and constantly searching for meaning in a universe that has already taken everything from her once before. Superheroes are meant to reflect our deeply human fears and desires, but they’re also meant to kick-ass. And this film lets fans down by not delivering on action, drive and purpose. We know they’re invincible, and we want that tested physically as much as we do mentally.
Even when the film occasionally becomes overstuffed or uneven, its emotional core remains strong enough to carry it through. Supergirl may not be perfect, but it’s ambitious, entertaining, and emotionally engaging.
