Review: Supergirl Soars Beyond Expectations and Delivers One of DC Studios' Strongest Films Yet

By Klep Napier | WeAreCritiX.com

Going into Supergirl, I expected very little.

In fact, if I'm being completely honest, the marketing left me concerned. The trailers sold the film as another cosmic superhero adventure filled with explosions, visual effects, and quirky supporting characters. What they didn't adequately communicate was the heart of the story. What audiences are actually getting isn't simply another superhero movie set in James Gunn's new DC Universe. Instead, Supergirl feels much closer to a science-fiction western, a revenge tale, and a coming-of-age character study wrapped inside a superhero blockbuster.

And that's exactly why it works.

Directed by Craig Gillespie and based on Tom King and Bilquis Evely's acclaimed 2022 graphic novel Woman Of Tomorrow, Supergirl follows Ruthye (Eve Ridley), a young girl whose family is brutally murdered by the ruthless Krem. Determined to seek justice, she embarks on a dangerous journey across the stars in search of someone willing to help her exact revenge. That search eventually leads her to Kara Zor-El, better known as Supergirl, who reluctantly joins her on a journey that becomes about far more than vengeance.

The result is a surprisingly emotional and character-driven story that feels refreshingly different from most modern superhero films.

A Superhero Movie With Real Stakes

One of the biggest surprises of Supergirl is how invested it makes you feel in its central conflict.

Unlike many superhero films that rely heavily on universe-building, cameos, and setup for future installments, Supergirl remains laser-focused on its two central characters. While David Corenswet's Superman and Jason Momoa's Lobo make appearances, neither overshadows the narrative. Their presence serves the larger universe, but the film never loses sight of whose story this is.

This is Kara's movie.

That focus allows the film to develop genuine emotional stakes. The action isn't simply about saving the world. It's about survival, grief, trauma, and redemption. There are multiple moments where Supergirl finds herself in situations that feel genuinely dangerous despite audiences knowing she will ultimately survive. The film consistently finds ways to suppress her advantages and force her into conflicts where victory is far from guaranteed.

As a result, the action carries weight.

The hand-to-hand combat sequences are particularly impressive. Rather than relying exclusively on large-scale destruction and aerial battles, the film grounds many of its biggest moments in physical confrontations that feel visceral and personal. Those sequences create tension in ways that many superhero films often struggle to achieve.

More Than Superman's Cousin

Perhaps the film's greatest achievement is how successfully it separates Kara from Clark.

For decades, one of the biggest criticisms leveled against Supergirl has been that she's merely a variation of Superman. This film completely dismantles that argument.

While Clark Kent represents hope, optimism, and the ability to rise above tragedy, Kara embodies the scars left behind by trauma. Their experiences may be similar, but their emotional responses could not be more different.

Where Superman channels pain into purpose, Supergirl wrestles with it.

She is messy.

She is angry.

She is flawed.

And that's precisely what makes her compelling.

Millie Alcock embraces every layer of that complexity. Her performance captures both the vulnerability and strength of a character struggling to define herself outside the shadow of her famous cousin. Rather than presenting Kara as a perfect hero, the film allows her to make mistakes, question herself, and stumble through her own emotional journey.

The result is a character who feels remarkably human despite possessing extraordinary abilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3RlmQZTPBQ

Why Supergirl Works Better Than Superman

This may be the most controversial opinion I have about the film, but it's one I stand by.

I believe Supergirl is a better movie than Superman.

That isn't meant as a criticism of Superman, which remains an enjoyable and important launch point for the DC Universe. However, Supergirl succeeds because it feels more confident in its identity.

Where Superman often felt divided between introducing a larger universe and telling Clark's story, Supergirl remains committed to its central narrative from beginning to end. It never feels distracted by the need to set up future projects or showcase an expanding roster of heroes.

Instead, it focuses on character first.

That focus creates a stronger emotional connection with the audience and allows the film to explore deeper themes involving grief, loss, revenge, and healing.

The storytelling feels tighter. The emotional payoff feels stronger. And by the time the credits roll, the experience feels far more complete.

The Supporting Cast Delivers

While Alcock carries the film, the supporting cast deserves significant praise.

Ruthye quickly becomes more than a simple sidekick or narrative device. Her journey is every bit as important as Kara's, and the relationship that develops between the two characters becomes the emotional backbone of the film.

Meanwhile, Krem proves to be an effective antagonist. Some audiences may criticize the villain for lacking complexity compared to recent comic book movie villains, but his presence is undeniably threatening. The stakes surrounding his actions are clear from the beginning, and his impact on the story is felt throughout.

The film also incorporates Krypto in a way that feels organic rather than gimmicky. What could have easily become comic relief instead serves as an important emotional catalyst that helps propel the story forward.

Final Thoughts

What surprised me most about Supergirl is how little it resembles the film I expected to see.

This isn't Guardians of the Galaxy with capes.

This isn't a universe-building exercise.

And it certainly isn't a film trying to live in Superman's shadow.

Instead, Craig Gillespie delivers a gritty, emotionally driven space western that uses superhero mythology as a backdrop for a deeply personal story. By drawing inspiration from films like True Grit while remaining faithful to the emotional core of Tom King's graphic novel, Supergirl carves out an identity entirely its own.

Millie Alcock proves she was the right choice for Kara Zor-El, delivering a performance filled with heart, vulnerability, and strength. Combined with strong action sequences, compelling emotional stakes, and a willingness to embrace darker themes, the film emerges as one of DC Studios' strongest efforts to date.

Verdict

Supergirl is an emotionally resonant, action-packed space western that successfully establishes Kara Zor-El as one of the DC Universe's most compelling heroes. With a standout performance from Millie Alcock and a story that prioritizes character over spectacle, it unexpectedly surpasses Superman as the stronger standalone film.

Score: 3.5/5 A bold, emotional, and surprisingly grounded superhero adventure that proves Supergirl is far more than Superman's cousin.

Supergirl hits theaters worldwide June 26th.

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