Saturday, Kid 2 and i saw Supergirl, the latest entry in the James Gunn-helmed DCU Saturday. What follows is my review of the movie:
The Basics
Starring: Milly Alcock, Ruthye Marye Knoll, David Corenswet, Jason Momoa
Director: Craig Gillespie
Genre: Sci-Fi / Superhero / Space Western
Source Material: Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King (2021)
The Premise
The story follows Kara Zor-El, who is living an aimless, self-destructive life on an alien world orbiting a red sun. Deprived of her Kryptonian powers, she seeks to feel the “pain” of being human. Her trajectory changes when she encounters Ruthye Marye Knoll, a young girl seeking vengeance against a sadistic warlord, Krem of the Yellow Hills, for the murder of her family. After Krem poisons Krypto the Superdog, Kara joins forces with Ruthye on a cosmic journey of revenge. The duo eventually crosses paths with the intergalactic bounty hunter, Lobo.
The Critique
- The “Dave Mustaine” of the DCU: Kara’s struggle is deeply compelling—she was originally sent to protect her cousin, yet she watched him grow into the world’s greatest hero while she was left adrift. She is essentially the “Dave Mustaine” of the DC Universe: possessing all the power and history of the legend, yet constantly struggling to find her own place.
- The Hypocrisy of the Kill: The film’s climax is jarring. Kara spends the journey preaching to Ruthye about the moral cost of revenge, only to take the life of the villain herself. It feels like a fundamental betrayal of the “Kryptonian” code we’ve come to expect, leaving the audience to wonder if this was a genuine character arc or a narrative shortcut.
- Alcock’s Complex Portrayal: This is easily the most complex version of Supergirl ever put to screen. Unlike the Helen Slater iteration—which felt restricted by the “no-punching” era of 80s superhero television—Milly Alcock is a brawler. She is “badass” and fully utilizes her Kryptonian physiology. While I missed the classic, plastic optimism of the character, Alcock’s version is undeniably more relatable and visceral.
- Nice vs. Good: One of the most interesting themes in the film is the distinction between being “nice” and being “good.” The narrative actively warns against being “nice,” framing it as a vulnerability that invites others to walk all over you. Instead, it posits that one can be tough, firm, and principled without being aggressive or evil. Kara is fundamentally flawed and carries significant trauma, yet the film successfully drives home the point that she is, at her core, a “good” person—and that goodness is what ultimately defines her as a hero.
- A Questionable Entry Point: While Woman of Tomorrow is a stellar story, it feels like an odd choice for the second entry in a budding DCU. The universe would have likely benefited from another earthbound story to establish the new status quo before launching into deep-space westerns. It’s a bold aesthetic choice, but it lacks the warmth of Superman (2025).
The Verdict
Ultimately, Supergirl is a fascinating, gritty exploration of trauma and the difference between being “nice” and being “good.” While it succeeds in delivering the most complex version of Kara Zor-El we have ever seen, the choice to set this as the second entry in the new DCU feels like a gamble that doesn’t quite pay off. It’s a bold, character-driven story that is well worth watching for DC fans, but it lacks the warmth and essential, universal appeal of its predecessor.
Rating:
3 out of 5 Superman “S” Shields.
Supergirl is currently playing in theaters everywhere
Rebuilding a life takes grit, consistency, and a lot of ‘Option C’ thinking. Having crossed the 1,000-day milestone, I’m now charting the territory beyond. The mission remains the same: No glitz. Just the work. New to the blog? Start your journey here to see the blueprint and the ‘Tricorder’ perspective behind the rebuild.
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The article “Rob Reviews: Supergirl (2026)” first appeared on Rebuilding Rob.
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