Supergirl (2026)
CINEBLEND BY YASHMITHA SRITHERAN
Supergirl (2026) is the second film in DC Studios’ new cinematic universe following Superman (2025) and introduces a fresh version of Kara Zor-El. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, the film is based on the DC comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. Starring Milly Alcock in the lead role, the film takes a different approach from most superhero movies by focusing more on emotion, personal loss and self-discovery than on saving the world.
The story follows Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who survived the destruction of Krypton after growing up in Argo City, a surviving fragment of the planet. Unlike Superman, Kara witnessed the deaths of those closest to her, leaving her emotionally scarred. Unable to fully adjust to life on Earth, she spends much of her time travelling across the galaxy with her loyal dog, Krypto.
During one of her journeys, Kara meets Ruthye Marye Knoll, a young girl seeking revenge against Krem of the Yellow Hills, the man responsible for murdering her family. Kara initially refuses to help, but everything changes when Krem injures Krypto with a deadly poison. Determined to save her beloved companion, Kara sets off on a dangerous mission across several planets to recover the antidote while reluctantly allowing Ruthye to join her. Along the way, they encounter dangerous enemies, unexpected allies and difficult choices that challenge Kara’s understanding of justice, revenge and responsibility.
Milly Alcock delivers a convincing performance as Kara Zor-El, portraying a heroine who is strong yet emotionally vulnerable. Rather than presenting Supergirl as a perfect superhero, the film allows viewers to see her flaws, grief and struggles, making her feel more human. Eve Ridley performs well as Ruthye, whose determination and emotional journey add depth to the story. Jason Momoa also makes his debut as the fan-favourite bounty hunter Lobo, bringing humour and energy whenever he appears on screen. David Corenswet also reprises his role as Superman in a supporting appearance that helps strengthen the connection between the new DC films.
One of the film’s biggest strengths is its emotional storytelling. Instead of relying only on action sequences, Supergirl explores themes of grief, revenge, healing and finding a place to belong. The relationship between Kara and Ruthye develops naturally throughout their journey and becomes the heart of the film. Visually, the movie also impresses with colourful alien worlds, imaginative creatures and large-scale science-fiction settings that expand the DC Universe beyond Earth.
Milly Alcock is undoubtedly the standout performer, successfully carrying the emotional weight of the film while making Kara both relatable and believable. The visual effects are impressive, and the film’s cosmic setting offers something different from previous DC movies. Fans looking for a more character-driven superhero story may appreciate its slower, emotional approach.
However, the film is not without its flaws. While the emotional focus is admirable, the pacing often feels slow. At times, the story stretches a fairly simple revenge plot over a lengthy runtime, making certain scenes feel repetitive. Some supporting characters could also have been developed further, and viewers expecting constant action may find parts of the film less engaging. From my perspective, the overall story feels like a straightforward idea that has been extended more than necessary, causing the film to lose momentum in several places.
Overall, Supergirl is a visually impressive film with a strong lead performance and meaningful themes about loss, family and hope. While it successfully introduces a new version of Kara Zor-El and expands the DC Universe, its uneven pacing and stretched storyline prevent it from reaching its full potential. It is an emotional superhero film that will appeal more to audiences who enjoy character-driven stories than non-stop action.
Rating: 2.5/5
