Milly Alcock’s magnetic, flawed take on Kara Zor-El is the beating heart of Supergirl, but it’s trapped in a film that never quite matches her punk-rock energy. Directed by Craig Gillespie and loosely adapting elements from Tom King and Bilquis Evely’s acclaimed Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic, this interstellar revenge tale aims for a gritty space-western vibe—think True Grit meets Mad Max with a Guardians of the Galaxy soundtrack—but lands as a competent, if uneven, DCU entry that pales next to its predecessor.
The story follows Kara Zor-El, still reeling from Krypton’s destruction and living in the shadow of her cousin Superman (David Corenswet). She embarks on a cosmic journey of vengeance and justice alongside an unlikely young companion (Eve Ridley), crossing paths with chaotic figures like Jason Momoa’s Lobo. The premise offers personal stakes amid galactic dust and dive-bar brawls: grief, belonging, and choosing hope amid trauma. Visually, it delivers grungy, lived-in alien worlds with practical makeup and stylish flair, backed by a killer needle-drop soundtrack that gives it distinct personality.
Yet, for all its cosmic ambition, the film often feels like it’s treading water. The pacing drags in spots, the villain (Matthias Schoenaerts’ Krem) lacks memorability, and the narrative never fully capitalizes on the source material’s depth. Action sequences entertain without innovating, and while the road-trip dynamic has charm, subplots land flatter than they should.
That said, Alcock is phenomenal—she easily carries the movie and makes it worth watching. She brings raw vulnerability, wry humor, self-destructive edge, and charisma to Kara, portraying her as a messy, relatable hero who’s nothing like Superman’s beacon of hope. You root for her through the benders, bar fights, and quiet moments of doubt. She gives her all with a wavering, weak script that doesn’t always serve her talents.
Supergirl proves Kara can headline her own story and that Alcock is a star. It’s entertaining enough for fans, with enough style and heart to recommend as a matinee or streaming watch, but it’s ultimately a missed opportunity for greatness in the new DCU. Here’s hoping future entries give this Woman of Tomorrow the epic story she deserves.
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