After the surprisingly warmhearted "Superman" (2025) by US director James Gunn (59), the next Kryptonian now takes center stage in the new DC Universe: Kara Zor-El alias Supergirl. Australian director Craig Gillespie (58, "I, Tonya", "Cruella") transforms the comic source material "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" into no ordinary superhero film, but rather a mix of space western, road movie and coming-of-age story. The result is an unusual, emotional and visually impressive blockbuster.
Superman Was Lucky, Supergirl Experienced a Heavy Blow of Fate
It becomes clear early on that Kara is not meant to be simply the female version of Superman. While Clark Kent grew up on Earth in a loving environment and views his Superman powers as a gift, Kara visibly carries the scars of her past with her. She witnessed the destruction of Krypton, lost her parents and friends, and still struggles with feelings of guilt and disorientation. These experiences shape each of her decisions and give the character a vulnerability that makes her both relatable and fascinating.
Milly Alcock (26, "House of the Dragon") proves to be a stroke of luck in this regard. The Australian actress brings exactly that mix of toughness, insecurity and defiance that this version of the superheroine requires. Her Kara is quick-witted, impulsive and often self-destructive. At the same time, Alcock succeeds in repeatedly making visible behind the rough facade the loneliness of a young woman searching for her place in the universe. Her performance is particularly convincing in the quieter moments.
Krem as Target: One Needs an Antidote, the Other Wants Revenge
The plot closely follows the source material by US author Tom King (47) and Brazilian comic artist Bilquis Evely (35). On her journey through the vastness of space, Kara encounters young Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley, 14), whose family was murdered by the unscrupulous Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts, 48). Driven by a desire for revenge, the girl seeks support in her hunt for the perpetrator. What sounds like a classic revenge story, however, increasingly develops into a narrative about loss, responsibility and the question of whether violence can ever truly bring peace.
Eve Ridley delivers an impressively mature performance as little Ruthye with the big sword. The dynamic between her and Alcock forms the emotional heart of the film. Both characters mirror each other: Ruthye stands at the point where Kara once was herself, while Kara recognizes in the girl the possibility of taking a different path than she did. This constellation creates strong scenes in the film that often work entirely without spectacular effects.
Matthias Schoenaerts convinces as Krem with a menacing presence. His villain is not an exaggerated world conqueror, but rather a brutal opportunist whose cruelty seems all the more terrifying in an extremely male-dominated environment. Even more excitement, however, should be generated by Jason Momoa (46). His debut as the slightly insane Lobo (DC comic character) is comparatively brief, but makes an impression. Momoa embodies the intergalactic bounty hunter with visible great joy and delivers exactly the mix of chaos, arrogance and dark humor that fans of the character are likely to expect.
The Long List of the Stunt Team
Nevertheless, fans of big science fiction action adventures get their money's worth. Gillespie uses the journey through the galaxy to present a variety of different worlds. From run-down spaceports to bizarre alien bars to devastated planets, a universe emerges that seems larger than the previously shown locations of the new DC cosmos. Some of these places are reminiscent of science fiction films like "Guardians of the Galaxy" (2014) by director James Gunn.
Particularly positive is the fact that the production does not rely exclusively on digital effects. Numerous creatures were realized with animatronics, many locations were created as real sets. This approach gives the film a tangible physical presence and ensures that the alien worlds actually feel inhabited. The action sequences also benefit from this. They are dynamically staged but never lose their connection to the characters. Accordingly, the credits list of the stunt and costume team is long.
Krypto as a Puppy
While Supergirl's dog Krypto was the secret star in "Superman", here he is one of the driving forces of the film. Because when he is seriously injured, his owner sets out to search for the antidote - which hangs around Krem's neck. The white and highly undisciplined super dog not only provides numerous humorous moments, but also takes on a central emotional function. Kara's relationship with him makes clear how much this heroine still clings to her lost home. What happened there is revealed to the cinema audience in flashbacks - Krypto is still a puppy here.
Those expecting a classic hero story might be surprised by Kara's mistakes and contradictions. However, this is precisely where the appeal of the film lies. "Supergirl" is less interested in the question of how a heroine saves the galaxy, but rather in how she lives with her own wounds. The film tells of grief, guilt, friendship and self-discovery, without neglecting its spectacular science fiction backdrop. Gillespie's Supergirl feels similarly human as Gunn's Superman - both make you want more.
Conclusion
"Supergirl" is not only a successful debut for Kara Zor-El in the new DC Universe, but also a strong superhero film with plenty of action and science fiction. Bold, emotional and visually impressive, the film tells the story of a heroine with a worn parka, muddy boots and uncombed hair instead of a red miniskirt and over-the-knee boots, who must find her own way.
Outstanding are also young Eve Ridley and Hollywood heavyweight Jason Momoa, not to mention the heartwarming guest appearances by cousin Clark Kent/Superman (David Corenswet, 32).
