Courtesy of IMDb

After six years, DC Studios returns with another female-led superhero movie, “Supergirl,” its first since “Wonder Woman 1984.” The film proves that superpowered women deserve to be in the spotlight. 

Before its official release on June 26, critics took to negatively reviewing the film on social media. One X user blamed the film’s low Rotten Tomatoes score on its woman lead. Another compared it to Marvel Studios’ low-scoring film “Thor: The Dark World.” Variety critic Owen Gleiberman even called the movie “super-horrendous.” Presumably due to viral negative reviews, the film earned only $18 million on its opening day, compared to its roughly $170 million budget. 

Directed by Craig Gillespie, “Supergirl” follows Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock), cousin of Superman (David Corenswet), joined by 13-year-old Ruthye (Eve Ridley) as they navigate space for vengeance and justice. The film is based on the comic “Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow,” released in 2021.

One word to describe the film is “fun,” as its multitude of action sequences brings thrill alongside a serious plot. The action scenes included frenetic editing that make it go by quickly with slow-motion sequences that highlight daring stunts. Despite the unfamiliar-looking aliens, the needle drops behind the action sequences kept the film familiar and satisfying. 

Alcock performs her sequences with serious facial expressions that remind the audience of the gravity of each situation. Since Kara is on a time crunch throughout the duration of the film, each fight is taken seriously and the tension is portrayed through Alcock’s acting. 

Alcock also delivers a gut-wrenching performance during the emotional beats. The plot of “Supergirl” is suspenseful with a lot on the line for Kara, and Alcock does not fail to convey that stress in every scene — even if it sometimes comes with hopeful humor. Moreover, Alcock is an immaculate Supergirl as her tone, expressions and overall acting abilities match the writing of the character from the original material. 

Specifically, her performance when interacting with her dog, Krypto, is riveting when she conveys their emotional connection. Audiences saw Krypto in last year’s “Superman,” where he was a nuisance to Corenswet’s Superman. Despite Krypto’s chaotic behavior in “Superman,” audiences can easily see why Kara loves him so much. 

Superman is a side character in this film, even though he is not in the source material. His addition fits in seamlessly with his gentle demeanor that contrasts with Kara’s unpredictability. His kind gestures prove his wholehearted care for Kara, even though the pair are not very close due to incomparable upbringings. Corenswet and Alcock mix well together as well, since they both embody their characters flawlessly. Their interactions flow as if they are straight out of DC Comics, which makes Superman’s addition makes the film an extra enjoyable watch. 

However, “Supergirl” did have its weak points. Unlike the positive addition of Superman, Lobo (Jason Momoa) did not add much to the plot. Although Momoa delivered a hilarious and erratic performance proving he was born for the role, Lobo lacked importance to Kara’s journey. She was completely removed from Momoa’s character, making his scenes feel forced. Even if Lobo is a fun character, he should have been added to a different film.

Compared to the source material, the film also lacked vibrance and character building. The vast majority of planets traveled to were dull and underwhelming. The worldbuilding of the comic were among its most memorable characteristics, but the same could not be said for the film. 

The plot also deviated from the comic significantly, as Ruthye’s motive for revenge was altered, making her more pitiful and basic. Although Ruthye was at her heart the same character, without some of the contexts given in the comic, she became completely one dimensional. Her character served only to push Kara forward, a disappointing simplification from the comic. 

Additionally, the film’s ending was completely different from the comic. The villain was unmemorable, which gave the ending less stakes. The only key point of the climax was the clear distinction made between Kara and Superman’s morals. Without the comic, the film shined as a stand-alone piece of media. However, in comparison to its inspiration, it was lackluster. 

The film is the second official addition to James Gunn and Peter Safran’s new DC Universe (DCU) and fits seamlessly into the world. The interactions between Corenswet and Alcock proved their compatibility as relatives and gave excitement to see them join together again in “Man of Tomorrow.” Alcock gave a performance of a positive, yet chaotic, role model to inspire future generations of strong women that will continue through future DCU films. 

Even though the film continues to perform horrifically in the box office, it will always be remembered as the first female-led film in the new DCU. “Supergirl” is not a perfect film by any means, but the hate online is undeserving — Kara proves that women deserve the spotlight and that their films are worthy of development. 

Rating: 7.5/10