...
By Aayu Sharma
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
Making a superhero movie is really hard these days. No, I am not just talking about the filmmaking aspects of it, but also how hard it has become to satisfy the fandom. Marvel initially showcased how to tackle the comic book stuff, but in recent times, even they have struggled to do something special in the genre. Meanwhile, James Gunn took the responsibility to take the DC Universe to a whole new direction, and when "Superman" came out, it gave fans hope that DC had finally found its footing again. The next challenge was keeping the momentum going. Thankfully, "Supergirl" manages to do just that.
The premise of the movie is rather simple and sees Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl (played by Milly Alcock), trying to navigate her life on planet Earth. While her cousin, Kal-El, has successfully decoded how to live among humans, Kara is finding it hard to make her own space. However, she is not alone and is always accompanied by her dog, Krypto. To celebrate her 23rd birthday, Kara was visiting different planets, which made Kal a little concerned about her. But things turn upside down when a villain named Krem (played by Matthias Schoenaerts) shoots Krypto with a poisonous dart when he tries to stop them. Kara learns that she only has three days to save Krypto and begins a journey to find the cure before time runs out.
...
Read More on Movies
Directed by Craig Gillespie, the film takes inspiration from the comic book mini-series "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," and introduces Kara as someone carrying a lot of pain and emotional baggage. She is not a confident superhero and is still trying to understand who she is and where she belongs. That's where the film finds its emotional heartbeat.
One of the strongest aspects of the movie is how it never shies away from slowing down. Rather than jumping from one acting scene to another, it spends time exploring Kara's loneliness and vulnerabilities. She is just a young woman trying to find her place on a planet that's not even hers. On the other hand, the trauma of losing her dog, Krypto, makes her even more emotionally vulnerable, giving the narrative a sense of urgency that goes beyond simply stopping the villain. These moments give the emotional weight to the film and make her character more relatable. Moreover, it reminds viewers that even superheroes have something deeply to fight for.
Visually, "Supergirl" is stunning. Gillespie creates a universe that feels colorful and unique without overwhelming the story. The production design adds depth to the story, while the visual effects surprisingly support the film instead of distracting from it.
...
That said, the film is not without its problems. The pacing slows down in the middle, and a few action sequences feel more obligatory rather than engaging. The main villain also lacks the depth needed to leave a lasting impression. Moreover, there are certain moments when the story feels like it is rushing towards the finish line instead of giving its strongest emotional scenes enough room to breathe.
Acting-wise, Milly Alcock is easily the biggest strength of "Supergirl." She makes Kara feel real by showing her strength and flaws. She is young, stubborn, and emotionally guarded, but beneath all of that tough attitude, she is someone who is still processing how to deal with the losses she has endured in the past. Alcock never tries to show that Supergirl is perfect, and she doesn't need any correction. That's the exact reason why her portrayal feels so authentic and manages to leave a lasting impression. Her performance proves why she was the best choice to play the iconic comic book character.
Her bond with Ruthye (played by Eve Ridley) is a major highlight of the film and gives the story its emotional core. Their relationship moves forward gradually as they try to deal with grief in their own manner.
...
Jason Momoa as Lobo is an enthralling addition to the franchise. He might not have much screen time, but he makes every moment count. His confidence, humor, and larger-than-life personality make him instantly entertaining.
"Supergirl" is not the first superhero film to have flaws, and some parts of the screenplay could have been tighter. Still, its emotional honesty makes up for its shortcomings. The titular character itself is not flawless. She makes mistakes, she gets angry, and questions herself constantly. Those flaws make her more relatable and provide a chance to get deep inside her psyche. In the end, it makes us realize that even superheroes can feel lost.
Overall, "Supergirl" proves that the new DC Universe has the potential to tell meaningful stories alongside its big action set pieces. If "Superman" gave the DC Universe hope, "Supergirl" gives it heart.
Rating: 8/10
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines