Film Review – Supergirl (2026)

      Supergirl, 2026.

      Directed by Craig Gillespie.

      Featuring Milly Alcock, Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenaerts, David Krumholtz, Emily Beecham, Jason Momoa, Alice Hewkin, Ferdinand Kingsley, Diarmaid Murtagh, David Corenswet, Emily Piggford, Bruce Lennox, Thalissa Teixeira, Kadiff Kirwan, Imogen Turner, Asha Soetan, and Leo Bill.

      SYNOPSIS:

      Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, teams up with an unexpected ally on an interstellar quest for vengeance and justice when a surprising foe strikes too close to her heart.

      The next installment in the DCU's cinematic universe bursts onto the screen successfully, with Supergirl offering a delightful experience as Milly Alcock shines in her role as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl. Her captivating presence drives the film, complemented by strong performances from her co-stars, especially Jason Momoa’s unpredictable Lobo. While some narrative aspects might fall a bit short, it ultimately serves as another entertaining and engaging entry in the DCU.

      Loosely based on Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s graphic novel, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the film begins after Alcock’s cameo in Superman, depicting Supergirl partying across the galaxy to cope with the sorrow of her lost home and family. A fateful encounter endangers Krypto's life, compelling Supergirl to collaborate with a young girl on a mission to save Krypto and avenge her murdered family.

      One common criticism from those unfamiliar with Supergirl is that “she is just like Superman, but female.” The film counteracts this notion effectively. Under Craig Gillespie’s direction and Ana Nogueira’s script, Alcock's portrayal infuses Kara's character with significant depth, as she navigates her grief through dark humor, alcohol, and a desire to do good, despite wanting solitude. This relatable aspect of Supergirl is convincingly portrayed by Alcock, especially in the flashback sequences that reflect her life post-Krypton destruction and the challenges faced by its survivors. She convincingly demonstrates how her upbringing shaped her into a markedly different individual from Clark Kent, dispelling those misguided critiques, particularly concerning her ideals and willingness to engage in tough situations.

      Eve Ridley serves as a fantastic companion for Alcock as Ruthye, a young girl fiercely determined to avenge her family after their brutal slayings. The chemistry between the two, as Supergirl and Ruthye embark on their cosmic adventure, is delightful. Ridley complements Alcock’s annoyance and hesitance while Alcock counterbalances Ridley’s impulsive energy. They play off each other wonderfully, and their bond forms the core of the film. Ruthye’s emotional fluctuations are compelling, thanks to Ridley’s performance, which highlights Ruthye’s resolve and stubbornness, even when her grief and rage cloud her judgment. Together, Alcock and Ridley deliver on most of the story's potential.

      Jason Momoa joins the adventure, swapping his trident from the previous DCEU for a swinging hook as Lobo, one of the galaxy's most formidable bounty hunters, known for his carefree attitude. Momoa is a wild card, clearly enjoying his role and demonstrating more comfort here than in his Aquaman appearances, despite a balanced portrayal in the first Aquaman film. The dynamic between Momoa and Alcock is impressive, but what is particularly surprising is the rapport between Momoa and Ridley. Although their scenes together are limited, they maximize their moments, with Lobo acting as a devil on Ruthye's shoulder against Supergirl's angelic presence.

      Matthias Schoenaerts portrays the villain Krem, a merciless pirate who takes pleasure in inflicting cruelty, whether through murder or the abduction of young women. Schoenaerts successfully makes Krem a detestable antagonist one can root against—after all, harming puppies ensures a villain is disliked as any John Wick fan can attest—but Krem himself lacks depth. He appears somewhat one-dimensional beyond his overtly malicious character, which is acceptable as not all villains need complex backstories. Nevertheless, Schoenaerts manages to make Krem engaging through his speech and body language, although Krem and his crew feel somewhat generic despite his tactical combat skills. As a villain for Supergirl's debut film in the DCU, they fall a bit short.

      Consequently, much of the film's burden rests on the shoulders of Alcock and Ridley. The relationship between Supergirl and Ruthye holds the narrative together, even when certain plot points are weaker. The lower stakes—eschewing world-ending scenarios or earth-shattering wormholes—are refreshing, emphasizing character development, although some elements are sidelined. A storyline regarding the abduction of young girls lacks the necessary exploration, reading more as a catalyst for hating K