Supergirl Review: Following the launch of James Gunn’s new DC Universe with last year’s Superman, Supergirl arrives as the franchise’s second major theatrical outing. Directed by Craig Gillespie (Cruella) and inspired by Tom King’s acclaimed Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic, the film has all the ingredients to become something unique within the comic book genre.
Driven by grief and a desire for justice, Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) ventures into the far reaches of space alongside an unlikely companion, where every step of her mission tests both her strength and her character.
Heading into the film, my expectations were admittedly low. I wasn’t particularly won over by Gunn’s Superman, and I remain unconvinced by the direction this new era of DC is taking. The trailers for Supergirl also did very little to inspire confidence, looking visually generic and failing to capture the emotional weight or striking aesthetic of the comic that inspired it. Sadly, those concerns proved to be largely justified.
Supergirl Review: A Frustrating DC Adventure That Never Truly Soars
The biggest disappointment is just how little this resembles Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow. The comic is a rich, emotional and visually vibrant sci-fi western filled with stunning world-building and genuine heart. Here, much of that identity has been stripped away in favour of what feels like an uninspired Guardians of the Galaxy imitation. From its muted production design to its awkwardly placed pop-punk soundtrack, the film constantly chases another franchise’s identity instead of establishing one of its own. It lacks colour, personality and visual richness, making many of its alien worlds blend together into a fairly forgettable backdrop.
Unfortunately, the action is also surprisingly dull for a superhero blockbuster. Despite the film moving at a relentless pace, very few set pieces leave a lasting impression. In fact, that breakneck speed often works against the emotional moments, rushing through scenes that should have carried genuine weight. The visual effects also leave plenty to be desired. While I understand the film reportedly had a smaller budget than 2025’s Superman, the inconsistent CGI, particularly during the flying sequences, is distracting enough to pull you out of the experience. Thankfully, the practical alien costumes and prosthetic makeup are genuinely impressive and provide some much-needed texture that the digital effects often lack.
Performance-wise, Milly Alcock (Upright) delivers a perfectly serviceable portrayal of Kara Zor-El and comfortably emerges as the film’s strongest asset. She brings enough vulnerability and humour to make you care, even when the screenplay doesn’t give her much room to breathe. Unfortunately, she’s surrounded by a cast that never leaves much of an impression. The villain is painfully one-dimensional, and ultimately forgettable, while the introduction of fan-favourite Lobo (Jason Momoa) feels completely unnecessary. His inclusion comes across as awkwardly shoehorned into the story, and despite Momoa’s enthusiasm, it’s difficult to see anything other than Jason Momoa in costume rather than the iconic comic character.
Ironically, the moments I enjoyed most were the brief appearances by David Corenswet’s Superman. Those scenes offered a glimpse of the chemistry and dynamic between himself and Supergirl that I hope to see explored further in future DC films.
Ultimately, Supergirl is a frustrating experience because the potential is clearly there. Between the acclaimed source material, a talented lead in Milly Alcock and an expansive cosmic setting, this could have been something special. Instead, it settles for a rushed, visually uninspired adventure that borrows heavily from better superhero films while losing much of what made the comic so memorable in the first place. There are flashes of promise for the future of DC, but Supergirl itself never truly soars.
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Score: 5/10
