The second installment in James Gunn's burgeoning DC Universe, Supergirl, has arrived in theaters, and with it come a wave of reviews that, while acknowledging a stellar central performance, express a general disappointment with the film's execution.
The film follows Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, as she awakens on Earth and embarks on a quest for revenge following the loss of her home and family. Critics widely praise Milly Alcock's portrayal of a rough-around-the-edges Kara, with many stating her performance is a highlight that elevates the material. However, the prevailing sentiment suggests that the movie itself is messy and derivative, failing to fully capitalize on its strong lead.
A Tale of Two Movies
Reviewers note that Supergirl often feels like a film divided against itself. While elements of the movie succeed, particularly Alcock's characterization, these successes are frequently undercut by shortcomings in other areas. Despite James Gunn's involvement as a writer and director on the previous DCU film, Superman, and director Craig Gillespie and writer Ana Nogueira helming Supergirl, the film attempts to maintain a distinctly "Gunn-esque" tone, which reviewers argue compromises Supergirl's unique voice. This has led to comparisons to an "impersonator" performance, a sentiment that unfortunately pervades the overall critique.
Unfulfilled Potential
Many critics feel that Supergirl suffers from a lack of focus, an underdeveloped script, and uninspired villains. The film's visual style is also called into question, with comparisons to the colorful and well-scored Superman highlighting Supergirl's perceived lack of authenticity. While the movie is deemed watchable and avoids outright mediocrity thanks to Alcock's presence, many believe the strong source material and a compelling lead performance deserved a more cohesive and original film. The current iteration is seen as an anonymous, VFX-heavy blockbuster that fails to stand out in the crowded superhero genre, echoing the pitfalls that affected previous DC films like The Flash and Black Adam.
Moments of Promise
Despite its flaws, the film does have moments where it succeeds. Director Craig Gillespie, known for his work on films like Cruella, brings a certain swagger and embrace of grunge over slickness. The central relationship between Kara Zor-El and Ruthye, reminiscent of the dynamic in True Grit, is noted, though some reviewers felt the performances of the actors playing these roles lacked the spark of their cinematic predecessors. When the film fully embraces Supergirl's unique character and vibe, it is said to soar. The relatively crisp runtime of one hour and 48 minutes also helps to move the narrative along, preventing viewers from dwelling too much on its less successful aspects.
Supergirl is set to be followed by other DCU films in 2026, including a body horror film focused on Clayface and a new Superman movie, Man of Tomorrow, slated for 2027.