Milly Alcock Soars as Supergirl in a Forgettable Comic-Book Adventure
The new DC Universe's second theatrical outing brings the titular heroine back to the big screen for only the second time, following the disastrous 1984 film. Milly Alcock portrays Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, who teams up with the unlikely companion Ruthye (Eve Ridley) on an interstellar quest for vengeance and justice.
Director Craig Gillespie, known for I, Tonya and Cruella, was an intriguing choice behind the camera, but his work here feels indistinguishable from other comic-book movie directors. The film is generic fare that doesn't linger in the memory.
Alcock's Performance Elevates the Film
Alcock, best known for House of the Dragon, is not to blame for the film's shortcomings. She embodies everything a modern heroine should be: independent, questioning, and unwilling to follow the path laid out by her famous Kryptonian cousin without forging her own way. Her flight sequences are genuinely thrilling, and Ruthye's naive, headstrong quest for revenge pushes Kara into numerous tight spots.
Jason Momoa, former Aquaman star, lights up every scene as the brutish bounty hunter Lobo, sometimes literally. However, Matthias Schoenaerts as Krem is a one-note villain reminiscent of the type that once gave comic-book movies a bad name. Despite an intimidating appearance and erratic movements, he never feels like a true threat, and there's rarely a moment when Kara seems in genuine peril, even with nods to human trafficking and a dog near death.
Influences and Aesthetic Choices
Mad Max: Fury Road is a clear influence, with kidnapped “wives” and a sandstorm dust-up. Much of Supergirl is shot using dusty, grimy colours that rob the film of an inviting, otherworldly aesthetic. The movie doesn't soar as it should and fails its impressive leading lady. However, the DC Universe shouldn't be written off just yet; the MCU also had early bumps on its road to success.
