Supergirl Review
When Superman gave birth to the new DC Universe, it almost set a new standard for what the modern day superhero film should be. It had heart and humor all wrapped up in an exciting adventure that created a new Man of Steel for today’s generation. However, so many fans couldn’t stop thinking about Supergirl, given her cameo in the film’s post-credits and the numerous fancasts for Milly Alcock. Now, DC fans are going to be treated to Kara Zor-El’s return in Supergirl, but not in the traditional way. Instead, the DC Universe takes a much more tonally darker turn with its adaptation of the “Woman of Tomorrow” storyline.
Supergirl sees Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) spending time away from Earth to celebrate her 23rd birthday. However, her birthday week gets interrupted when the young Ruthye (Eve Ridley) tries to find a warrior to help her track down her family’s murderer. Initially not wanting to, Kara is eventually pulled into Ruthye’s mission when the murderous Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts) poisons Krypto. With only three days before Krypto’s death, Kara and Ruthye are forced to track down Krem and his Brigands while Kara tries to re-master her own abilities.
From the start, it felt like Supergirl could do so much with the original “Woman of Tomorrow” storyline, brought to life by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. It was very disconnected from what DC had going at the time, instead offering an interstellar romp-and-stomp while dissecting what made Supergirl different. However, what Cruella’s Craig Gillespie offers to do with Ana Nogueira’s script is re-examine Kara through a grittier, more rugged lens. Since Alcock’s version of Supergirl is more upfront, blunt, and proudly drunken, the character stakes that this Kara has to overcome are much more heightened.
Supergirl, much like Superman, softly rebuilds Kara while still retaining that core heroic trait, albeit hidden under her inebriated pessimism. Alcock’s performance perfectly highlights the superheroine’s desire to do what’s right while also letting Kara have her own self-needs. The first few scenes we get from her and Ruthye as they hitch a bus off-planet shows this quite well. Alcock’s Kara also gets some moments of levity to show that she can be fun too, especially in the first act.
The performances of Supergirl’s cast are brought to life fantastically. Alcock’s Kara has some nice sisterly chemistry with Ridley’s Ruthye, even though they start off on the wrong foot. Ridley does a good job showing Ruthye’s capabilities and stealth, having some solo moments that allow her to shine right next to Kara. That said, most of Ruthye’s spotlight scenes only show much later in the film.
Lobo (Jason Momoa) is as hilariously blunt and upfront as you’d want this character to be. As one of Momoa’s lifelong dreams, it comes true in perhaps the most perfect way as he picks up on Lobo’s “alpha”-like, nonchalant characteristics very quickly. He’s mostly there to cause more chaos, but the third act does give him some room for empathy (or what little he has.) As for Krem, he’s about as vicious and antagonistic as you’d expect him to be, given very little room to expand himself beyond being an annoyance for Kara and Ruthye. Krem and his Brigands do have some motivation of innate sexploitation, but that’s pretty much all that’s done with them.
If anything, it’s Supergirl’s action-packed sequences that fans should keep their eyes on. The Mad Max inspirations should come to no surprise as nearly every sequence has that dusty, near post-apocalyptic tone, especially with the dystopian planet Kara and Ruthye come upon. Most of the practical stuntwork is done very well, especially when it comes to Lobo and him slashing through countless Brigands.
Supergirl shows great potential in being a rough rebuilding of Kara Zor-El, strengthened by great performances from Milly Alcock, Eve Ridley, and Jason Momoa. Its exhilarating action and beat-by-beat narrative reinforces that main theme of finding yourself and your own “good,” much like who the Woman of Tomorrow is. While there are more opportunities in exploring the character, Gillespie’s take is satisfying in bringing Supergirl back.
Rating: ★★★⯪☆
Supergirl releases in theaters on June 26.
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Christopher Gallardo is a freelance entertainment writer and critic. While not running The Reel Roller, Chris can be found writing reviews and breakdowns on all things films and TV. Outside of entertainment writing, he’s currently taking classes for a Bachelor’s of Science with a minor in Digital Media & Journalism. Plus, he loves Percy Jackson, animated films and shows, and Fallout! Follow Christopher on Instagram & X.