Supergirl Movie Review (2026): A Bold Reinvention That Almost Soars… But Never Takes Flight

A Gritty Return: Supergirl Gets a Rough-Edged Reinvention

After smashing her way into the Fortress of Solitude to retrieve her dog, Kara Zor-El storms back onto the big screen in Supergirl—this time as a hardened, hard-drinking outsider. It’s a bold reinterpretation that blends sci-fi spectacle with Western grit, layered with stylized music choices and familiar genre beats.

But beneath the attitude and atmosphere lies a bigger question: does this version of Supergirl truly rise above the tropes it borrows, or does it end up dimmed under a red sun?

High Expectations: A Director Who Elevates the Ordinary

Going in, there was plenty of reason to be optimistic. Director Craig Gillespie has built a reputation for taking seemingly standard concepts and turning them into something memorable. Films like Cruella, I, Tonya, and Lars and the Real Girl all exceeded expectations in their respective genres. Even The Finest Hours—a straightforward rescue drama—had more depth than anticipated.

Pair that with the growing DC Universe under James Gunn, and the excitement made sense. Add Milly Alcock’s standout debut as Kara in Superman, and expectations were set high for her solo outing.

A Tale of Two Movies

What unfolds, however, feels like two competing films sharing the same runtime.

On one hand, there’s a compelling, messy anti-hero in Kara. Alcock plays the reluctant savior convincingly—balancing apathy with flashes of compassion. It’s not easy to make a character who “doesn’t care” feel engaging, but she largely succeeds.

On the other hand, the story doesn’t give her much room to evolve. Kara begins the film broken and ends it… still broken. While that may be intentional, it leaves her arc feeling static. The result is a narrative that moves forward, then stalls, then repeats itself.

Character Spotlight: Ruthie Steals the Emotional Core

Enter Ruthie, played by Eve Ridley—a young girl driven by revenge after losing her family. Her journey ends up being the emotional backbone of the film.

Kara protects her at the start, and she does the same at the end. The difference? Ruthie changes. Kara doesn’t.

This imbalance makes Ruthie’s arc feel more complete and, at times, more compelling than the protagonist’s.

Genre Influences: Stylish but Overfamiliar

Western Meets Space Opera

The film proudly wears its influences:

• True Grit shapes the revenge-driven narrative
• Mad Max: Fury Road inspires the desolate, survivalist worlds
• Guardians of the Galaxy influences tone and soundtrack choices
• Star Wars echoes in its alien designs and cantina-like settings

Visually, the film shines. The alien makeup, costumes, and practical effects are top-tier, evoking the gritty charm of classic sci-fi.

Where It Falls Short

The issue isn’t inspiration—it’s execution.

Instead of reinterpreting these influences, the film sometimes leans too heavily on them. Certain plot points feel lifted rather than reimagined, and musical moments lack the emotional punch they aim for.

Villains and Antiheroes: Style Over Substance

Krim: A Striking Yet Shallow Villain

Matthias Schoenaerts plays Krim, a visually unforgettable antagonist. His design—complete with embedded tech and eerie details—is undeniably cool.

But beyond the aesthetics, there’s little depth. He looks intimidating, but rarely feels it.

Lobo: Fun, but Unnecessary?

Jason Momoa brings fan-favorite antihero Lobo to life with charisma and swagger. He delivers humor and presence—but narratively, he feels tacked on.

His role doesn’t meaningfully impact Kara’s journey. Instead, he functions more like a cameo with benefits: entertaining, but not essential.

Building the DC Universe: Hits and Misses

A Strong Dynamic with Superman

Kara’s interactions with David Corenswet’s Superman are a highlight. Their contrast—hopeful optimism versus lingering trauma—creates a compelling dynamic that promises more interesting stories ahead.

A More Interesting Backstory

Ironically, the most engaging parts of the film come from Kara’s past. Her upbringing on Argo, a drifting remnant of Krypton, offers richer storytelling than the present-day plot.

The fragmented flashback structure, however, disrupts the pacing. A more chronological approach might have strengthened the emotional impact.

Final Thoughts: A Film That Almost Soars

Supergirl is packed with strong ideas, striking visuals, and a standout lead performance. Yet for every element that works, another falls just short.

Milly Alcock anchors the film with a compelling portrayal of a damaged hero. The world-building is impressive, and the supporting cast brings flashes of brilliance. But uneven storytelling, underdeveloped characters, and overreliance on familiar tropes keep the film from truly taking flight.

Final Verdict

A bold but inconsistent entry in the DCU—one that hovers between ambition and execution without fully committing to either.