The latest instalment in the reimagined DC cinematic universe, Supergirl, has been met with a lukewarm critical reception, with many reviewers pointing to a significant drop in quality compared to last year's 'Superman' reboot. Despite the film's star, Milly Alcock, known for her role in 'House of the Dragon', being praised for her portrayal of the titular character, the overall consensus suggests the movie struggles to find its own identity.
Alcock's Supergirl, Kara Zor-El, is introduced as a more cynical and traumatised counterpoint to her cousin, Superman. Having endured the destruction of Krypton and the loss of her family, Kara's backstory is presented as a stark contrast to Kal-El's more idyllic upbringing on Earth. Critics suggest that the few scenes shared between Alcock's Kara and David Corenswet's Superman are a highlight, demonstrating the potential for compelling character dynamics that the solo film largely fails to realise.
The film, directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, reportedly attempts to emulate the distinctive style of James Gunn, who co-chairs DC and directed the recent 'Superman'. However, this approach is criticised for stifling Supergirl's unique voice, resulting in a narrative that feels derivative rather than original. The visual design is also a point of contention, with reviewers describing it as 'colourless' and 'utilitarian', a stark departure from the vibrant cosmic imagery found in the 'Woman of Tomorrow' comic series by Tom King and Bilquis Evely, which the film adapts.
Furthermore, the movie's tonal balance has been questioned. While it incorporates dark themes, such as a storyline involving the trafficking of girls, critics argue that these serious elements are undercut by attempts at lighthearted humour, creating a disjointed viewing experience. The film is compared unfavourably to previous DC offerings like 'Birds of Prey', which was lauded for its authentic pop culture feminism, a quality reviewers feel is absent in Supergirl.
Gillespie, known for directing films featuring complex female protagonists such as 'I, Tonya' and 'Cruella', appears to have deviated from his usual style, with critics noting a lack of the direct audience engagement seen in his previous works. Instead, Supergirl is perceived as striving to be DC's answer to Marvel's 'Black Widow', featuring Kara reluctantly aiding a young girl in a quest for vengeance. This narrative choice, combined with the tonal inconsistencies, contributes to the film's overall disappointing reception.