The DC Universe film ‘Supergirl,’ starring Milly Alcock in the title role, is now available for streaming on HBO Max. The movie’s release on the streaming platform follows a disappointing performance at the box office, where it grossed $126 million.
The film serves as a continuation of the recent superhero epic, spinning off from the 2025 film ‘Superman.’ In ‘Supergirl,’ Alcock’s Kara Zor-El grapples with her past, including the loss of her home planet Krypton and her parents. The narrative depicts her struggles with grief and alcohol, symbolized by her constant wearing of large sunglasses. Her story takes a turn when her dog, Krypto, is poisoned by a gang led by Krem, played by Matthias Schoenaerts. This event leads Kara to reluctantly team up with a young orphan named Ruthye, portrayed by Eve Ridley, who seeks revenge against Krem for her father's death. Their journey across the galaxy involves confronting Krem’s gang, who are depicted as enslaving women.
‘Supergirl’ has drawn comparisons to ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ and ‘Mad Max in Space’ due to its director Craig Gillespie’s style and screenwriter Ana Nogueira’s script. Some critics noted Alcock's potential to carry the film but felt the writing hindered her performance. The movie features cameos from David Corenswet as Superman and introduces Jason Momoa as the character Lobo. Reviewers have described the action sequences as functional, with some creative alien designs and Guardians-esque settings.
Despite its thematic exploration of trauma and its visual elements, the film has been met with a lukewarm reception. One review suggested that ‘Supergirl’ is more of a mediocre science fiction movie than a mediocre superhero film, and that it risks inducing audience indifference. The predictability of the plot, particularly concerning the fate of Krypto, has also been noted.
Ultimately, ‘Supergirl’ has received a cautious recommendation for streaming, with critics suggesting it might be a passable way to pass the time, provided expectations are managed.