Supergirl Review: Milly Alcock Soars in New DCU Film

Supergirl is finally in theaters! The second DC movie in the newly established DCU sees Kara Zor-El join forces with a young girl on an unexpected journey of justice after tragedy strikes too close to home. Following her introduction in 2025’s Superman, we see Clark Kent’s cousin thrust into the spotlight in her own story, adapted from Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow.

While Kara seems like the night to Superman’s day, these two share a similar moral compass that goes even deeper than their obvious blood relations. That is, if you look beyond Kara’s penchant for partying (hey, no judgment here).

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An Interplanetary Trip of Kryptonian Proportions

While James Gunn didn’t direct or write Supergirl (those honors belong to Craig Gillespie and Ana Nogueira, respectively), his fingerprints are all over it in the best way. This movie feels like DC’s version of Guardians of the Galaxy meets True Grit. There’s a biting edge to it, complete with a smattering of heart and colorful, out-of-this-world locations. And the toe-tapping soundtrack helps keep the momentum afloat throughout. If anything, it’s a reminder that Gunn’s best Marvel film laid the groundwork for comic book adaptations to come.

The story at the heart of Supergirl is profoundly relatable and human. The movie’s antagonist, Krem of the Yellow Hills, poisons Krypto, Kara’s superpowered canine BFF. Upon learning that Krem always carries the antidote to said poison on his person, Kara embarks on a whirlwind adventure across planets to exact revenge and steal the antidote to save her dog. As a dog owner myself, I found that simple premise incredibly compelling. I would move literal mountains to save my baby girl if someone hurt her.

Meanwhile, Ruthye Knoll wants to find Krem but for a different reason – she longs to kill the pirate and assassin for murdering her family. “Revenge” is the undercurrent of the narrative here, and the common ground Kara and Ruthye share brings them together for this space epic.

Revenge Is a Double-Edged Sword

Supergirl never lets its foot off the gas, moving at a steady clip from the opening scene until the credits roll. However, it always finds moments to let the story breathe and allow the emotional beats to resonate. Kara and Ruthye are both changed people by the end of the film. Kara gets her groove back and her self-worth, honoring her late parents’ wish to see her save those who need it.

In that flashback sequence to Argo City, Kara wonders why she should survive while everyone else succumbs to Kryptonite-laced poison. Why is she worthy of living when those she loves are doomed to a painful death? Through her adventure with Ruthye, Supergirl cleverly plants the seeds of Kara’s journey to self-love.

Meanwhile, Ruthye learns the valuable lesson of free will: The choices we make stay with us forever, especially when we attempt to control someone else’s fate. Perhaps killing Krem would’ve avenged Ruthye’s family, but it wouldn’t bring them back. His ghost, as it were, would also haunt her for the rest of her life. Our choices matter.

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Supercharged Performances

Milly Alcock deftly steers this ship as our titular hero. She’s the perfect Kara. Supergirl is scarred by her tragic past and uses her vices to suppress her grief. The beginning scenes featuring Kara in party mode are all about her searching for that next dopamine hit, that temporary high to drown her sadness. Alcock is a natural onscreen, and you believe her as Kara. It would’ve been so easy to go over the top with the “sardonic, quippy, hot mess” character, but Alcock turns in a grounded performance. On a separate note: Watching her speak Kryptonian with such ease reminded me of her scenes in High Valyrian in House of the Dragon. Alcock is the queen of speaking fictional languages.

Eve Ridley is a young star on the rise in my eyes. She delivers solid work as Ruthye, a young alien girl with a strong moral compass. At face value, she seems like the opposite of Kara. However, as we learn in the movie’s second act, they’re more alike than they seem. Ridley’s performance in the third act is quite moving as Ruthye finally allows herself to grieve the loss of her family.

Jason Momoa is having an absolute blast in Supergirl. His take on Lobo is the epitome of full-throttle, no-holds-barred debauchery. Momoa provides plenty of comedic relief as the alien mercenary, and I hope we see him pop up in future DCU projects. David Corenswet’s appearance, while brief, is also a stark reminder of why he’s one of the best to step into the boots of the Man of Steel.

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All the Galactic Nuts and Bolts

Supergirl is a visual delight. I loved all the intricate alien designs, makeup, and prosthetics. There’s a lived-in feeling to all of these intergalactic locales. The look of each alien supporting character really lends itself to the Guardians of the Galaxy vibes.

The fight sequences are also a ton of fun, especially the bus sequence with Kara versus the Sklarian Raiders. I also dig the climactic final fight scenes before Kara delivers the killing blow against Krem. Watching Kara at full strength, punching and lasering her way through Krem’s crew, reminds us of just how powerful she and Superman really are.

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Is There a Post-Credits Scene in Superigrl?

• There is no post-credit or mid-credit scene in Supergirl

Supergirl is meant to be seen on the big screen. Don’t let polarizing reviews prevent you from making a trip to the theater this weekend. Watch it for yourself and remember to enjoy it for what it is – an entertaining, fun, good old-fashioned superhero story. Don’t take it too seriously, as it’s not meant to be somber, award-winning fare. This movie is corny and campy, as this genre should be.

Turn off your brain and immerse yourself in a tale of revenge, grief, and forgiveness. Supergirl is especially worth watching for Alcock’s performance and the cuteness that is Krypto. Who doesn’t love flying dogs?

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What did you think of Supergirl?

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