Supergirl Review
Supergirl opens in theaters on June 26, featuring Milly Alcock as the titular hero in a story directed by Craig Gillespie. Part of James Gunn’s DCU, the film adapts Tom King’s Woman of Tomorrow comic run, blending elements of Westerns and post-apocalyptic cinema to follow Kara’s journey alongside a young girl named Ruthye.
The film utilizes a “True Grit meets Mad Max” structure, according to the review. It places Kara in grimy, lifeless terrains and dying worlds where characters struggle for survival.
How does Milly Alcock portray Kara in Supergirl?
Milly Alcock plays Kara as a “reluctant hero” and a “mess,” a performance described as a strength of the movie. However, the report notes that the character’s journey is limited, as she remains largely the same person from the beginning to the end of the film.
Kara’s primary interaction involves protecting Ruthye, played by Eve Ridley, who seeks revenge against the man who murdered her family. The review indicates that Ridley’s character receives more complete character development than Kara does.
What are the primary cinematic influences in Supergirl?
The production draws heavily from several established franchises. The review cites obvious comparisons to James Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy and the archetypal Western structure of True Grit.
Visual influences include the post-apocalyptic style of Mad Max and the alien designs of the Mos Eisley Cantina from Star Wars. The film uses practical makeup FX and costuming to create these “top shelf” alien designs.
What roles do Krem and Lobo play in the story?
Matthias Schoenaerts portrays the villain, Krem of the Yellow Hills. While his visual design—featuring beads studded into his face and machinery grafted into his body—is praised, the review claims the character lacks depth beyond these affectations.
Jason Momoa appears as the bounty hunter Lobo, described as a “cigar-chomping” anti-hero. The report suggests Lobo feels “tacked on,” noting that his scene with Kara has “reshoot energy” and provides little meaningful propulsion for the plot.
How does Supergirl fit into the wider DCU?
The film expands the DCU by introducing Kara’s childhood on Argo, a floating city that served as a lifeboat after the destruction of Krypton. This backstory builds upon the changes made to Kal-El’s origin in Superman.
Kara’s interactions with David Corenswet’s Superman are described as a highlight. The dynamic contrasts Superman’s positive outlook on the future with Kara’s tendency to nurse old wounds.
What may happen next for these characters?
Given the chemistry between the leads, the DCU may likely feature more on-screen team-ups between David Corenswet’s Superman and Milly Alcock’s Supergirl. Future installments could also further explore the shielded childhood Kara spent on Argo.
The filmmakers may potentially refine the balance between genre influences and character arcs to avoid the “shuffling” rhythm noted in this solo outing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Supergirl movie released?
The film opens in theaters on June 26.
Who is the main antagonist in the film?
The villain is Krem of the Yellow Hills, played by Matthias Schoenaerts.
Which comic book run is the movie based on?
The film is based on Tom King’s Woman of Tomorrow.
Do you think the “reluctant hero” trope works better in solo superhero films or in ensemble team-ups?