Supergirl arrives as one of the early major tests of the new DC Universe, putting Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El at the center of a cosmic revenge story directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira. The film opens in North America on June 26, 2026, following an international rollout beginning June 24, and it is positioned as a darker, more space-faring companion to the new Superman era.
The strongest thing about Supergirl is its lead. Milly Alcock gives Kara a sharp, wounded presence that separates her from Superman without making her feel like a simple “edgier” copy. This version of Kara carries grief, impatience, and anger close to the surface, and Alcock makes those qualities feel lived-in rather than performative. Even when the story around her becomes familiar, her performance keeps the movie watchable.
The movie’s interstellar setup gives it a refreshing visual identity. Kara’s journey with Ruthye Marye Knoll, Krypto, and the unpredictable Lobo allows the film to move beyond the usual city-smashing superhero template. The cosmic locations, alien conflicts, and revenge-western structure help Supergirl feel more adventurous than a standard origin story.
Jason Momoa’s Lobo is another highlight. He brings a loose, chaotic energy that cuts through the film’s heavier mood, and his scenes add welcome swagger and humor. Krypto also gives the story an emotional hook, grounding Kara’s rage in a bond that feels personal rather than merely plot-driven.
What Does Not Work
For all its ambition, Supergirl can feel uneven. The revenge plot is emotionally clear but not always surprising, and the villainous threat sometimes lacks the complexity needed to match Kara’s internal conflict. The film wants to be raw, mythic, funny, and action-heavy all at once, but those tones do not always blend smoothly.
The darker approach is compelling in theory, especially for a character shaped by Krypton’s destruction, but the movie occasionally leans so hard into bruised intensity that it loses some emotional texture. The best moments are the quieter ones, when Kara is allowed to show uncertainty instead of just anger. I feel that the reason for this is because when you have characters that are very powerful, it is hard to find someone who can contest them. The only ones who can stand their ground against Kara, against Superman, against the Hulk are characters who are just as strong as they are. For Superman, it’s other Kryptonians. For the Hulk, it’s other Gamma powered foes like Abomination. And that’s the problem with Supergirl; who can contest her, truly. That can only be stretched but so far before it loses its luster. Then again, it would introduce characters that no one has ever heard before. Hopefully, that will be the next film.
Overall, Supergirl is not a flawless launch for Kara Zor-El, but it is a distinctive one. Milly Alcock proves she can carry the character, and the film’s cosmic scale gives the DC Universe a welcome change of scenery. Still, a predictable revenge framework and inconsistent tone keep it from fully soaring.
Rating: 3 out of 5 stars. Recommended for DC fans, viewers interested in a tougher take on Kara, and anyone who wants a superhero movie that trades bright optimism for bruised, cosmic adventure.
Check out our video review of Supergirl featuring our very own Jason Richardson (Head of J1 Studios) along with Mike Reyes (MrControversy83) and Rich Drees (FilmBuffOnline) and myself, Brian Misher (GM of J1 Studios)!!
