Supergirl Review: A Decent Flight, But No Breakthrough

Quick Verdict

The latest DCU installment, Supergirl, offers a solid, if not spectacular, cinematic experience. Despite a disappointing box office performance and online negativity, the film itself is a pretty good watch. However, in today's oversaturated superhero landscape, merely being 'good' isn't enough to compel audiences away from their streaming queues and into theaters. It's an enjoyable, straightforward ride that struggles to stand out in a crowded market.

Overview and Background

Supergirl enters the DCU's 'Gods and Monsters' chapter as the anticipated follow-up to last year's Superman. The film has faced a barrage of online troll attacks, mixed critical reception, and, most notably, a very underwhelming opening weekend box office. This wasn't the triumphant return Warner Bros. had envisioned for the character, especially after her appearance in 2022's The Flash.

Originally, Ana Nogueira penned the script for a standalone Supergirl project within the former DCEU. When James Gunn and Peter Safran initiated the DCU's 'soft reboot,' the concept was reimagined, with Craig Gillespie, known for Lars and the Real Girl and I Tonya, stepping into the director's chair.

Story and Narrative Execution

The narrative draws inspiration from the comic book miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which itself borrowed elements from the classic Western, True Grit. Director Gillespie initially envisioned an interplanetary road movie featuring Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) alongside Jason Momoa's Lobo, mirroring the dynamic of Mattie Ross and Rooster Cogburn. Ultimately, the film pivoted to an arc closer to the comic miniseries, focusing on Kara's developing bond with Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), a young alien seeking vengeance, a storyline reminiscent of the DC Comics Silver Age.

The film introduces us to a rebellious 23-year-old Kara, celebrating her birthday by bar-hopping on red star planets with her loyal space dog, Krypto. These planets uniquely allow her to experience intoxication, unlike the yellow star worlds that empower her. She largely brushes off calls from her cousin, Kal-El/Superman (David Corenswet), who tries to encourage her to embrace Earth as her home. For Kara, home is simply wherever Krypto is.

Her journey toward heroism is a reluctant one. While she does intervene when bar thugs attempt to steal Ruthye's father's sword, she initially declines Ruthye's plea to help find Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), the brigand responsible for her family's slaughter. Kara's motivation shifts dramatically when Krem hijacks her ship and poisons Krypto with a dart, giving her just three days to find an antidote. This urgency for a cure, combined with Ruthye's quest for revenge, forms the core of their alliance. The inclusion of sex trafficking elements further underscores the brigands' villainy. The plot's refreshing straightforwardness is a definite plus, avoiding the cameo-heavy pitfalls of some predecessors, though its overall predictability might lessen the impact for some viewers.

Performance and Character Portrayals

Milly Alcock, widely recognized for her role as young Rhaenyra Targaryen in House of the Dragon, delivers a commendable performance as Kara. She masterfully blends a manic pixie/burnout energy with a palpable sense of hidden depth and vulnerability. Her on-screen chemistry with Eve Ridley's Ruthye is notably strong, providing a solid emotional anchor for the film. Krypto, despite limited screen time, steals his scenes with canine charm, as expected.

Jason Momoa's appearances as Lobo serve primarily as comic relief, injecting bursts of colorful chaos into the narrative. However, Lobo remains largely undeveloped as a character, making his contributions more about brief entertainment than substantive plot advancement. Similarly, Matthias Schoenaerts' Krem of the Yellow Hills, despite the actor's efforts, comes across as a rather one-note villain, failing to leave a lasting impression.

Flashbacks detailing Kara's childhood on Argo City are among the film's strongest segments. These scenes reveal her origin: born under a dome that saved a piece of Krypton, but eventually succumbing to kryptonite radiation sickness. This backstory, including Krypto's adoption of Kara during her mother's funeral and their subsequent journey to Earth, paints Kara as more of a super antihero, a stark contrast to her 'clean-cut' cousin Superman. This darker past contributes to the overall tone, which works best when it isn't trying too hard for humor.

Why the Box Office Underperformance?

The film's financial struggles are complex, with several factors likely at play. Superhero fatigue is a significant contributor; audiences are increasingly discerning, seeking truly exceptional experiences. The demand for a standalone Supergirl film wasn't particularly high, especially given her minimal role in the preceding Superman film. Furthermore, the trailers arguably revealed too much of the plot, which was already quite predictable. Reports also cite "creative differences" between Gillespie and Gunn, as well as competing creative visions, as potential internal challenges.

It's important to note that Supergirl isn't an isolated case. Other big-budget films this year, such as Masters of the Universe, The Mandalorian and Grogu, and Disclosure Day, also underperformed, though the latter did at least recoup its production budget. In contrast, films like Backrooms and Obsession have emerged as breakout hits, clearly indicating that audiences are seeking fresh and different content. While enjoyable, Supergirl simply didn't deliver on that differentiating factor, regardless of any 'anti-woke' sentiments, misogynistic attacks, or superficial criticisms about Alcock's appearance, which the original article dismisses as irrelevant.

Buying Recommendation

For those looking for a relatively light, engaging, and straightforward superhero film without overwhelming complexity or excessive fan service, Supergirl is a perfectly acceptable choice. It's a solid, well-acted adaptation with a compelling lead, even if it doesn't break new ground. While it may not become an instant DCU classic, its retrospective assessment could be kinder. If you're seeking a couple of hours of escapism, perhaps to beat the heat on a scorching day, it offers a decent viewing experience currently in theaters. Fans of Milly Alcock's portrayal will be pleased to know she's slated to return in next year's Man of Tomorrow.

FAQ

Q: Is Supergirl suitable for a casual superhero movie viewer?

A: Yes, the film features a refreshingly straightforward plot and avoids overwhelming audiences with excessive cameos or complex lore, making it accessible even for those not deeply immersed in the DCU.

Q: Does the film have any redeeming qualities despite its low box office?

A: Absolutely. Milly Alcock's performance as Kara is excellent, bringing depth and charisma to the character. The flashbacks to Argo City are particularly strong, and the dynamic between Kara and Ruthye is a highlight. It's an entertaining watch, just not a groundbreaking one.

Q: Should I wait for Supergirl to come to streaming?

A: Given the current market trends and the film's box office performance, waiting for streaming is a perfectly valid option for many. While it offers a pleasant theatrical experience, it's not positioned as a 'must-see-on-the-big-screen' event in the same way a truly 'great' movie might be.