Supergirl (2026) | Film Review

One thing is absolutely certain: for a film about Supergirl, Jason Momoa was definitely born to play Lobo. The character practically leaps off the comic book page and onto the screen, and even in limited appearances, Momoa exudes the exact swagger, menace, and malevolent charm fans have wanted from the intergalactic bounty hunter for decades. Every moment he’s on screen feels electric, and it immediately leaves you wanting more. Even if the make-up is more akin to The Crow than an alien’s pigmentation.

As for the movie itself, Supergirl is no Superman. Last summer’s blockbuster remains the superior entry in DC’s new cinematic universe, boasting stronger storytelling, better action, and more compelling villains. That said, Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl is still a highly entertaining ride. Imagine a blend of Mad Max and Guardians of the Galaxy with a superhero at its center, and you’ll have a pretty good idea of the film’s vibe. It moves at a brisk pace, rarely lingers too long on any one idea, and consistently finds ways to keep audiences engaged.

The film largely succeeds because of Milly Alcock’s performance as Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl. Alcock is unquestionably the glue holding this movie together. Kara is presented as a far more flawed hero than her cousin Clark Kent. She’s impulsive, emotional, reckless at times, and still trying to figure out exactly who she wants to be. Yet beneath all of those imperfections is an undeniably good person determined to do the right thing, even when it costs her.

Alcock captures those contradictions beautifully. Kara is conflicted but determined, vulnerable but strong, and constantly wrestling with her place in the universe. It is the kind of performance that leaves you wanting more from the character by the time the credits roll. Some of the movie’s best moments come during her interactions with David Corenswet’s Clark Kent. Their scenes together aren’t numerous, but they establish a genuine bond between the cousins and provide a glimpse of the future team-ups audiences will undoubtedly be eager to see.

The story itself is fairly basic. At its core, Kara is trying to rescue her beloved dog, Krypto, while simultaneously helping her new friend Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley) pursue a measure of vengeance against the man who devastated her family. It is a simple quest narrative, but one that works well enough thanks to the chemistry between Alcock and Ridley and the film’s relentless forward momentum.

Unfortunately, that momentum frequently has to overcome one major obstacle: Krem, the leader of a rag-tag group of space pirates who murdered Ruthye’s family and attempted to take out one adorable CGI puppy.

Played by Matthias Schoenaerts, Krem is an absolute misfire. The performance is broad, cartoonish, and often feels like it is taking place in an entirely different movie. Instead of becoming a villain audiences love to hate, he simply becomes annoying. For a film this entertaining, it is frustrating that the central antagonist is so weak. The plot may be straightforward, but that’s not necessarily a problem if the hero has a formidable foe standing in her way. Instead, Krem comes across as ridiculous, overacted, and surprisingly lame. Frankly, the various suns Kara encounters throughout her journey feel more threatening and imposing than the movie’s actual villain.

Another issue is Craig Gillespie’s handling of the action. While the film benefits from energetic pacing and some genuinely kinetic editing, Gillespie never appears fully confident when staging large-scale action sequences. Too often the camera cuts rapidly between shots, obscuring the geography of the fights rather than showcasing them. The result is action that feels serviceable rather than spectacular, which is a large detractor in a summer blockbuster. The movie works best during character moments and quieter interactions because those are the scenes where Gillespie seems most comfortable. When the film shifts into full superhero spectacle, there’s a noticeable lack of visual confidence behind the camera.

Still, the movie’s strengths outweigh its weaknesses. Milly Alcock makes Supergirl pop every time she’s on screen, bringing charisma, heart, and personality to a character who could easily have been overshadowed by the cosmic insanity surrounding her. She deserved a stronger villain and more confidently directed action scenes, but her performance elevates nearly everything around her.

Ultimately, Supergirl is a zippy, entertaining comic book adventure that’s absolutely worth a watch. It’s not the home run that Superman was, but it is a fun addition to DC’s growing universe and a promising showcase for a character who clearly has a bright future ahead. Most importantly, it leaves audiences excited to see Kara join Supes on his next adventure.

And yes, Krypto remains the bestest boy ever.