Times change. Around ten years ago, we were on the superhero diet, consuming a new Marvel or DC movie every couple of months. We couldn’t get enough of heroes with extraordinary powers protecting the world from over-ambitious villains, but, as is so often the way, appetites waned, and we’ve had to wait until halfway through the year for the first superhero movie of 2026. And the much-anticipated Supergirl has almost been worth the wait.
As the planet Krypton collapses, the young Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) is sent away to safety, landing on Earth and meeting up with her cousin, Superman (David Corenswet), who’s settled nicely into his new home. Yet the destruction of everything she loves has affected the teenager so deeply that she can’t stay, and she wanders the galaxy, drowning her sorrows but also becoming increasingly aware of her unique powers. The faithful Krypto is always by her side until an encounter with a gang of space pirates known as the Brigands leaves the dog seriously wounded, and Kara sets out to take revenge on their leader and steal the antidote. At the same time, she joins forces with Ruthye (Eve Ridley), a young alien who’s also suffered at the hands of the Brigands and is determined to destroy them. It’s a journey that tests them to their limits.
A lot is riding on Supergirl. With both superhero houses still trying to recapture the magic of ten years ago, DC’s James Gunn described it as “a big science fiction epic film”, but, while it scores as a piece of entertainment, there’s too much that feels familiar. The flavour of an intergalactic western, echoing both Star Wars and The Mandalorian and Grogu, is always there, complete with bizarre aliens and cumbersome, rusting but somehow still functioning spacecraft. But it’s clear from the opening moments that it’s actually taking its cue from both versions of True Grit.
Ruthye seeks vengeance when her family is slaughtered by Krem’s (Matthias Schoenaerts) Brigands with the same reckless determination as Mattie Ross when she pursues her father’s killers. If there’s a point of difference, it’s the Superman angle, with a handful of appearances from his latest incarnation, David Corenswet, providing the calm voice of reason that his cousin so badly needs.
Despite the depth of Kara’s loss, this is a film that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It certainly has a dark side, as she drinks herself into a stupor for her birthday and constantly reminds those around her that she doesn’t have any people of her own, so loneliness is all she knows, but there’s also just enough humour to provide some light relief when needed. And when it comes, it’s impossible to avoid comparisons with Guardians Of The Galaxy. This is the closest DC has ever come to the irreverence of Marvel’s much-loved franchise, and it’s fuelled by a rip-roaringly swaggering turn from Jason Momoa as bounty hunter, Lobo.
Already familiar to DC fans as Aquaman, this is a role he’s been chasing for some years, and you can see why. He sinks his fangs into the part, chomping on a fat cigar and charging around the galaxy on an outer space motorbike, instantly recognisable by his Gene Simmons-style make-up. He simply has a blast. He was tailor-made for the role, and the role was tailor-made for him.
All of which means that the rest of the Supergirl cast risk having their thunder stolen by Momoa’s antics. Thankfully, Alcock (House Of The Dragon) is something of a find as Kara, moving easily from her booze-addled lifestyle to her more heroic alter ego, complete with a strong inherent sense of right and wrong. Ridley (The Witcher) is equally impressive as the younger but equally determined and resourceful Ruthye, and they make a great double act.
But something is missing, despite all the fun and action, and that’s a touch of originality to make the film stand out from all the others in the genre. It simply doesn’t hit that mark. And the energy, irreverent tone and performances can’t quite fill the gap, no matter how hard director Craig Gillespie tries.
★★★ 1/2
In cinemas from June 25th / Milly Alcock, Eve Ridley, Matthias Schoenaerts, Jason Momoa, David Corenswet, Emily Beecham / Dir: Craig Gillespie / Warner Brothers / 12A
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