The latest instalment in the rebooted DC cinematic universe, Supergirl, has opened to a critical reception that suggests it has hit an early snag for the franchise. While the previous Superman film, co-chaired by James Gunn, was largely praised for its unique tone, Supergirl is reportedly struggling to carve out its own identity, despite the involvement of Gunn in a producing capacity.
Milly Alcock, known for her role in House of the Dragon, takes on the titular role of Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, and is widely acknowledged as the standout element of the film. Reviewers have lauded her portrayal of Supergirl as a complex character, described as having a "big heart muffled by layer upon layer of defensive punk-rock spite." Her dynamic with David Corenswet's Superman, who made a cameo in the previous film, is also noted as a highlight, though their shared scenes are reportedly few.
However, the film, directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, is criticised for attempting too hard to mimic Gunn's distinctive style without fully committing to it or developing its own voice. This approach has led to a perceived lack of originality, with some likening it to an "impersonator" rather than a fresh take on the character. The visual aesthetic of the film has also come under fire, described as "colourless" and "dingy," a stark contrast to the vivid imagery found in the source material, Tom King and Bilquis Evely's 2021 comic miniseries Woman of Tomorrow.
The narrative sees Kara grappling with the trauma of losing her parents, people, and home on Krypton, a stark difference from Kal-El (Superman), who enjoyed a more conventional upbringing on Earth. This background positions Supergirl as a potentially fascinating counterpoint to Superman's more optimistic outlook. The plot involves Kara reluctantly aiding a young girl, Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), in seeking vengeance against a pirate named Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), who is involved in girl trafficking. Critics note a significant struggle to reconcile the film's dark thematic elements with its attempts at humour, leading to an inconsistent and ultimately dispiriting tone.
Despite director Craig Gillespie's previous success with films featuring "difficult" women, such as I, Tonya and Cruella, reviewers suggest that his distinctive style is absent from Supergirl. The film is also compared unfavourably to other female-led superhero movies, such as Cathy Yan's Birds of Prey, which was praised for its pop culture feminism and distinct visual flair. The overall sentiment is that Supergirl is a missed opportunity, failing to provide a distinct point of view for a character with significant potential.
As a key part of the new DC universe, the film's reception could have implications for the future direction of the franchise. While its streaming availability in the UK is yet to be confirmed, superhero films typically arrive on major platforms such as Max (via Sky/NOW TV) or Prime Video after their theatrical run.