The film adaptation of DC's "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow," now available on HBO Max, presents a distinct narrative arc compared to its graphic novel source material, most notably in its ending. Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, the movie follows Kara Zor-El, also known as Supergirl, as she assists a young woman named Ruthye in seeking revenge against Krem, a space pirate responsible for her family's death.
Adaptation of 'Woman of Tomorrow'
The film draws inspiration from the acclaimed "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" miniseries, which itself was influenced by Charles Portis's Western novel "True Grit." While the movie largely follows the comic's setup, including Kara's journey off-world and her reluctance to engage in a revenge mission, key plot points are streamlined for the cinematic medium. In both versions, Kara is motivated to pursue Krem after her dog, Krypto, is injured.
The "Woman of Tomorrow" comic, narrated by Ruthye, details a more extensive and episodic journey to find Krem. The film condenses this, leading to a climactic confrontation where the central question becomes whether Supergirl and Ruthye will kill Krem.
Divergent Endings
In the film, Supergirl attempts to dissuade Ruthye from succumbing to the cycle of revenge. Ultimately, Ruthye refrains from killing Krem. However, Supergirl, driven by guilt over earlier events that led to the deaths of innocents, takes Krem's sword and kills the villain herself after securing an antidote for Krypto. This decision positions Kara as a character willing to bear a heavy burden, distinguishing her actions from those of her cousin, Superman.
This interpretation aligns with modern comic portrayals of Supergirl, often depicting her as more scarred by her homeworld's destruction than in earlier, more cheerful iterations. The film's ending allows Supergirl to embrace a darker, more complex aspect of her character.
Conversely, the "Woman of Tomorrow" graphic novel offers a different conclusion. In the comic, both Supergirl and Ruthye spare Krem and imprison him in the Phantom Zone. The story later jumps forward in time to an elderly Ruthye, who is visited by Supergirl. They release Krem, now an old man who regrets his past actions. Ruthye refuses to forgive him and strikes him, though she does not kill him. The comic's narration, taken from Ruthye's own writings, falsely states that Supergirl killed Krem, a detail the movie dramatizes.
The film's adaptation of the ending has been described as simplified and less satisfying than the comic's more nuanced resolution. The film's conclusion, while providing some depth to Supergirl's character, also serves to position her for future appearances in the DC Universe, potentially influencing the narrative needs of a larger saga.
Post-Credits Scene
"Supergirl" does not feature a post-credits scene. However, a final scene includes a cameo by David Corenswet, who portrays Superman in the upcoming film "Superman," directed by James Gunn. This appearance echoes a similar cameo by Milly Alcock in "Superman."