‘Supergirl’ Review: Milly Alcock Shines, but DC’s Cosmic Adventure Struggles to Take Flight

Milly Alcock makes a striking debut as Kara Zor-El in Supergirl, delivering a rebellious and emotionally raw performance that breathes fresh life into DC Studios’ latest superhero outing. Director Craig Gillespie takes viewers on a sprawling intergalactic journey in this visually ambitious film, but strong performances and clever humor can’t overcome a story that never fully realizes its potential.

Drawing inspiration from Tom King’s acclaimed Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow comic series, the film follows Kara on a perilous mission across the galaxy fueled by grief, vengeance, and self-discovery. Along the way, she teams up with Ruthye Marye Knoll, played by Eve Ridley, who seeks revenge against the ruthless Krem of the Yellow Hills. Matthias Schoenaerts embraces the villainous role with menacing intensity.

Alcock sheds the traditional Boy Scout image and gives Supergirl a punk-rock swagger and emotional scars that distinguish her from her more famous cousin. Her performance anchors the film, adding genuine complexity while balancing vulnerability with humor.

Jason Momoa steals several scenes as the notorious bounty hunter Lobo. His bad-boy charisma and larger-than-life personality inject the film with energy and provide some of its most entertaining moments. However, the story uses his character more as a setup for future DC projects than as an essential part of this adventure.

Gillespie creates an expansive sci-fi universe filled with colorful worlds and imaginative action sequences. However, uneven pacing slows the narrative, and familiar superhero spectacle often overwhelms the film’s emotional moments. Despite its intriguing themes and stylish visuals, the movie struggles to sustain momentum and leaves several promising ideas underexplored.

Supergirl opens an intriguing new chapter in the DC Universe and proves that Alcock can lead a franchise. Yet the film itself never reaches the heights it aims for. Fans of the character and the expanding DCU will find plenty to enjoy, but this cosmic adventure never truly soars.

Supergirl opens in theaters on June 26, 2026.