Supergirl Movie Review: Milly Alcock Shines in This Disappointing Superhero Film

The DC universe reboot took off with a bang thanks to Superman’s return, but Supergirl seems to have hit a rough patch. Played by Milly Alcock, Supergirl is a moodier, punk-rock cousin of Superman with a big heart hidden beneath layers of defensive spite. James Gunn, who brought us the wonderfully silly Superman, handed the reins to director Craig Gillespie and writer Ana Nogueira for Supergirl. But instead of letting Supergirl shine on her own, the film tries too hard to mimic Gunn’s style, leaving our heroine feeling like an impersonator in her own story.

After making a cameo appearance in Superman, Supergirl, aka Kara Zor-El, goes back to her “intergalactic club girl” routine to avoid dealing with the loss of her family and home on Krypton. Unlike Superman, whose upbringing on Earth was relatively normal, Kara had a much tougher time, forced to see the harsh reality of humanity while Kal only saw the good. The dynamic between Kara and Superman is a highlight, showcasing the strength of the character.

While the script adapts a comic miniseries by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, the film lacks the striking cosmic imagery, trapping us in a dull, Gunn-esque version of outer space. There are a few fun moments scattered throughout, but to truly capture Gunn’s essence, Supergirl needed to fully commit to the quirky and trauma-filled world he creates in his films.

Instead, Supergirl feels like it’s missing a unique perspective. Reflecting on other empowering films like “Birds of Prey,” led by Margot Robbie, one can’t help but notice the difference in how feminism is portrayed. “Birds of Prey” felt like a true celebration of female empowerment, unlike Supergirl’s scattered approach with its soundtrack and imagery.

Director Craig Gillespie, known for his work with strong female characters in films like “I, Tonya” and “Cruella,” doesn’t quite capture the same magic here. Supergirl needs more than just a copy-and-paste of Gunn’s style to truly stand out in the DC universe. It’s time for Supergirl to find her own voice and place in the superhero world.