Movie Review: ‘SUPERGIRL’ is blast (the haters are wrong)

At first glance, Supergirl (2026) looks like another cosmic superhero adventure, but Craig Gillespie’s film quickly reveals itself to be a surprisingly heartfelt road movie wrapped in DC spectacle. The story follows Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) as she reluctantly allows the determined young Ruthye (Eve Ridley) on a dangerous journey across the galaxy to hunt down the ruthless Krem (Matthais Schoenaerts). What begins as a simple bar fight spirals into a deeply personal quest for justice when Kara’s beloved dog, Krypto, is poisoned, forcing her into a desperate race against time to save her closest companion. They cross paths with Jason Momoa’s gloriously chaotic Lobo, whose unpredictable presence injects equal amounts of humor and mayhem into an already exhilarating adventure. The result is an emotionally driven space-western that balances vengeance, hope, and found family while carving out a unique identity within the new DC Universe.

Milly Alcock’s exuberant portrayal of Kara brightens what could easily have been another dark and depressing DC outing. Rather than presenting an instantly noble superhero, Supergirl’s screenplay embraces her reluctance to become involved in anyone else’s problems. After witnessing the destruction of Krypton and enduring years of unimaginable loss, Kara has buried her pain beneath cynicism, isolation, and emotional walls that seem impossible to break down. Alcock conveys that loneliness with striking authenticity, allowing every sarcastic remark and reluctant heroic act to hint at someone desperately searching for a place to belong. Her growing relationship with Ruthye, barely managing her own raw bereavement, becomes the emotional heartbeat of the story, as each challenge slowly chips away at Kara’s defenses. Their shared experiences with grief create a compelling dynamic that transforms a simple revenge mission into an exploration of compassion and rediscovering purpose. Even when Kara insists she doesn’t care, the film continually reveals the deeply empathetic soul hiding beneath her hardened exterior.

Despite those heavier themes, Supergirl never loses its sense of fun. Gillespie expertly balances poignant character moments with frenetic, imaginative action sequences that burst across the screen in a dazzling explosion of color. Every alien world feels visually distinct, creating a dynamic palette that gives the movie an energetic, almost psychedelic personality. The action is fast, inventive, and consistently entertaining, while the humor arrives naturally through the chemistry between the characters rather than undercutting dramatic moments. Kara’s determination to save her dog gives the adventure an irresistibly heartfelt motivation, while Ruthye’s single-minded pursuit of vengeance adds emotional urgency without overwhelming the lighter tone. Jason Momoa steals every scene as Lobo, embracing the antihero’s swagger with infectious charisma and providing a perfect foil for Kara’s guarded personality. Together, without becoming a team in any sense of the word, the trio forms an orbital alliance whose banter, clashes, and growing respect for one another make the journey every bit as engaging as the spectacular battles. Supergirl ultimately delivers a vibrant, emotionally satisfying superhero adventure that proves Kara Zor-El is more than capable of carrying her own unforgettable cinematic story.

(This film isn’t going to appeal to the hardcore comic fan or to people who really dislike XX-forward films. This film isn’t for them, and boy are they mad about it.)

Supergirl (2026) is rated PG-13 for mild swears, heavy-drinking, extinction-level events, family annihilation, animal peril, humanoid trafficking, people getting punched, stabbed, garroted, run through, and blown up, and alien critter feces as a gas station snack.

Please be advised, there is no mid or post-credit sequence. You are free to use the bathroom.