Supergirl (2026)

Score: 5 / 10
Category: Movie
Platform: Cinema

One-line verdict

A visually interesting but narratively hollow introduction to Kara Zor-El that suffers from a "mid" storyline and glaring scientific leaps.

Why I watched this

I watched Supergirl in the cinema on 27 June 2026. I decided to spend time watching this because I wanted to give James Gunn’s new DC universe a chance. I also felt for Milly Alcock (not Alyssa, as some people keep getting wrong)—the fans have been brutal about her casting, claiming she’s "not pretty enough" on screen to be Supergirl. Honestly, it absolutely sucks to look at someone and decide if they can be a fictional character based on that. So, I went in with those factors in mind, hoping to be proven right for supporting her.

Story & Structure

The premise of the story is introducing Kara into the new DC Universe. Her first "introduction" in the wider universe (alluding to the Superman movie) didn’t really give a great impression, seeing her as a drunk party-goer. This movie is about showing how she finds herself, while also fleshing out her lore by showing Krypton and her new temporary world.The film leans heavily into the Woman of Tomorrow comic storyline, where Kara is a cynical, world-weary survivor. They also establish the timeline: Clark is older than Kara on Earth now, even though Kara was older than Clark when Krypton was destroyed. It’s a bit of a shift from some variations, but it fits the "lost girl" vibe they’re going for.

What worked

What worked for me is the casting of Milly Alcock as Supergirl. Personally, I like her a lot. She has a fierce energy, and I think she’s pretty in her own way. She brings a grit to the character that sets her apart from the typical "girl next door" version.I also found the lore of Krypton in this DC Universe to be more detailed than what we saw in Superman. They brought up Jor-El’s intentions again, confirming that the idea of Superman being a "conqueror" wasn't just a fluke. The continuity feels consistent so far, which is a first for DC movies. Most live-action DC projects have poor consistency, but Gunn seems to be keeping the threads tied together.Then, of course, the return of Jason Momoa as Lobo is a plus point. It’s his first return to DC since Aquaman, and he definitely brings that "Main Man" energy to the role, even if the execution had some issues.

What didn’t

Unfortunately, there was plenty that didn't work for me. First, the storyline is truly mid. It wasn’t interesting at all; halfway through, I found myself bored. It’s the classic "avenge the parents" trope, and Supergirl only becomes the reluctant hero because Krypto was poisoned. I didn't enjoy that motivation one bit—it felt forced.Then there’s the logic. Moving across universes and galaxies with different suns is handled way too vaguely. They make it seem like traveling between galaxies takes no time at all. Having a "3-day window" to save the dog from poison while traveling across lightyears of space is extremely unrealistic. I’m into superhero movies, but I also know that traveling to different galaxies takes lifetimes, not a weekend. It was too glaring for me to ignore.I also found the introduction of Lobo to be redundant. He didn’t have a strong reason to be there, and seeing Momoa in what looked like a body suit instead of him putting in a proper workout felt lazy. It’s not really acceptable for a character like Lobo. Finally, the main bad guy, Krem, wasn’t intimidating at all. He just felt like a strong lackey. I can’t imagine the writers couldn’t put in more effort to come up with a better antagonist than that.

What others think

Critics are generally praising Milly Alcock’s performance, noting that she brings a "furious" edge to the character that we haven't seen before. However, like me, many are pointing out that the film’s pacing is uneven. Some fans are loving the space-opera vibe and the comic-accurate visuals, while others are confused by the timeline changes and the "drunk Kara" introduction. The reception to Jason Momoa’s Lobo has been a highlight for most, even if the "suit vs. muscle" debate is raging on social media.

Final thoughts

As a verdict, I give it a 5 out of 10. I wanted to give it more because I like Milly, but some of the writing and logic gaps are just too hard for me to pass. I’ll wait for the digital release on HBO Max to see if it plays better at home, but I’ll still buy a copy to keep in my collection. It’s a decent start for the character, but it could have been so much more.