The highly anticipated DC cinematic universe instalment, Supergirl, has opened to a less-than-stellar critical reception, with reviewers largely labelling the film as disjointed and superficial. Directed by Craig Gillespie, known for I, Tonya, the film follows on from the success of 2025's Superman, which had hinted at a renewed direction for the DC franchise after a series of darker, often muddled, superhero offerings.
Milly Alcock, who gained prominence in House of the Dragon, takes on the titular role of Kara Zor-El, earning praise for her portrayal of a jaded yet compelling Supergirl. Her character is introduced in a refreshingly chaotic manner, a stark contrast to the more clean-cut image of her cousin, Superman. The narrative sees Kara reluctantly paired with Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley) on a mission to save her super canine, Krypto, from a poisoned arrow fired by the space pirate Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts). This urgent quest forms the core of a race against time.
However, critics suggest that the film struggles to maintain focus, with an abundance of overwhelming subplots and additional characters diluting the central narrative. One significant point of contention is the insertion of Jason Momoa's bounty hunter character, Lobo, whose appearances are described as visually chaotic and detracting from any potential for deeper thematic development. While the film attempts to tackle serious issues, such as sex trafficking, these nuanced topics are reportedly lost amidst the action and comedic quips, failing to achieve the thoughtful balance seen in the previous Superman film.
Despite Alcock's strong performance, critics argue that it isn't enough to overcome what is perceived as a muddled script and direction. The film's attempts to present various ways violent men terrorise women are noted, but these narratives reportedly unravel rather than coalesce into a cohesive message. This disjointed approach leaves viewers questioning the necessity of certain plot points and character inclusions, particularly when they appear to hinder the development of a more thoroughly thought-out story.
For UK audiences keen to catch the latest superhero offering, Supergirl is expected to be available on major streaming platforms in the coming months following its cinematic release. While it aims for the feel-good superhero stylings that marked James Gunn's influence on the previous Superman, the consensus suggests it falls short of matching its predecessor's critical acclaim, potentially leaving fans with mixed feelings about the future direction of the DC universe.
The film's reception underscores the ongoing challenge for superhero franchises to balance complex narratives with engaging action, particularly in a crowded cinematic landscape. Whether Supergirl will find its audience despite critical reservations remains to be seen, but it highlights the high bar set by recent genre successes.