The new film "Supergirl," a spin-off from the 2025 "Superman" reboot, is being described as a dull, dispiriting, and "fake-feminist" movie. Despite a strong performance from star Milly Alcock, the film struggles with a weak narrative and uninspired visual execution.
Alcock portrays Kara Zor-El, Superman's cousin, who is depicted at the start of the movie experiencing an existential crisis on the planet Holzherr. After her home planet Krypton was destroyed, she and her parents attempted to live on a floating colony, Argo City, but survival proved impossible. Like her cousin Kal-El, Kara was sent to Earth for safety, but her adjustment to her new planet and the superpowers bestowed by its yellow sun have been a burden. She retreats to a trailer on Holzherr, seeking solace in alcohol and partying.
Her isolation is interrupted by the arrival of Ruthye, a teenage girl seeking vengeance against the space marauder Krem, played by Matthias Schoenaerts. Krem is the leader of a group known as the Brigands, responsible for the murder of Ruthye's family. Initially, Kara is uninterested in helping Ruthye, but Krem poisons Kara's dog, Krypto, forcing Kara to seek an antidote and setting her on a path of action.
The plot then involves Kara and Ruthye stumbling into an interplanetary human-trafficking ring, which propels Kara into confronting Krem and his actions. Critics suggest the film attempts to use themes of sisterhood as a central element, but deems it a plot point involving sex slavery too grim for its PG-13 rating.
Director Craig Gillespie's "Supergirl" is criticized for its visual presentation, with multiple planets rendered in variations of murky brown, despite having different colored suns. The action sequences are described as jerky and disjointed, with Kara's laser eyes offering the only occasional visual interest. The film's humor is also noted as belabored and feeble. Alcock's portrayal of Kara, while having moments of charm, spends much of the movie in drab attire before eventually donning the Supergirl costume.
Matthias Schoenaerts, known for his roles in "Rust and Bone" and "The Mustang," is noted for being underutilized as the villain Krem, appearing unrecognizable with facial piercings and a minimalist hairstyle. His character is largely depicted with a single expression of a mechanized scowl.
David Corenswet makes brief appearances as Clark Kent/Superman, with these moments offering a brief respite from the film's perceived weariness. The review suggests that while Alcock has spunk, her emergence as Supergirl happens too late in the film. The overall sentiment is that "Supergirl" fails to meet expectations and offers little substance beyond its basic premise.