Supergirl Review: The DCU Finds Its Next Great Hero in Milly Alcock’s Kara Zor-El

After years of living in the shadow of her famous cousin, Supergirl finally gives Kara Zor-El a chance to stand on her own—and the result is one of the most unique entries in the new DC Universe so far. Rather than delivering a traditional superhero origin story, director Craig Gillespie crafts a cosmic adventure that feels like John Wick meets Mad Max, sprinkled with elements of Superman mythology and wrapped in a surprisingly emotional journey of vengeance, loss, and self-discovery.

The story follows Kara when an unexpected and ruthless adversary strikes far too close to home. Forced into action, Supergirl reluctantly joins forces with an unlikely companion and embarks on an interstellar mission that blends revenge with justice. The result is a space-faring road movie that often feels as much like a western as it does a superhero film.

What immediately stands out is how different this version of Supergirl feels from previous incarnations. While Superman often represents hope and idealism, Kara is a far more complicated character. She carries emotional scars, makes mistakes, and frequently views the universe through a more cynical lens. That distinction allows the film to carve out its own identity rather than simply presenting a female version of the Man of Steel.

At the center of it all is Milly Alcock, who delivers an impressive performance as Kara Zor-El. Alcock brings a rougher edge to the character that feels refreshing and authentic. This isn’t the clean-cut hero audiences might expect. Instead, she portrays a Supergirl who is still trying to figure out her place in the universe while dealing with personal demons and difficult choices. She’s a realist, and that perspective gives the character an emotional depth that makes her immediately compelling.

Another major highlight is the long-awaited DCU debut of Jason Momoa as Lobo. While Momoa was undeniably entertaining as Aquaman, there’s something about him stepping into the role of Lobo that simply feels right. His larger-than-life personality, imposing physical presence, and natural charisma make him a perfect fit for the intergalactic bounty hunter. Every scene featuring Lobo is a blast, and Momoa clearly understands exactly what makes the character so beloved among comic fans.

Ironically, my biggest complaint regarding Lobo is that there isn’t enough of him. Whenever he appears, he steals the spotlight, leaving viewers wanting more. Hopefully, this won’t be the last time audiences see Momoa’s take on the character in the DCU.

Visually, the film embraces its cosmic setting with confidence. The action sequences are energetic, the alien worlds are imaginative, and the larger-scale set pieces take full advantage of the big-screen experience. The movie’s blend of post-apocalyptic aesthetics and space opera influences creates a distinctive visual style that separates it from other recent superhero films.

The film isn’t without flaws, however. There are moments where the story feels rushed, particularly when moving between key emotional beats and major plot developments. Certain transitions can feel a little disconnected, as though entire scenes were trimmed for pacing. While these issues never derail the movie, they do prevent it from reaching its full potential.

Fortunately, those shortcomings are relatively minor when compared to everything the film does well. The strong performances, unique tone, and engaging character work more than compensate for a few narrative bumps along the way.

Most importantly, Supergirl succeeds in establishing Kara Zor-El as a hero worthy of headlining her own franchise. Rather than simply following Superman’s blueprint, the film gives her a distinct voice, a unique perspective, and a compelling journey that feels entirely her own.

Final Score: 4 out of 5

Supergirl is an exciting and emotionally grounded cosmic adventure that successfully introduces a new side of the DC Universe. Milly Alcock shines as a tougher, more complicated Kara Zor-El, while Jason Momoa’s long-awaited debut as Lobo proves to be one of the film’s biggest highlights. Despite a few rushed and disconnected moments, the movie delivers a thrilling theatrical experience that deserves to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Highly Recommended. If you can, see it in IMAX or even 4DX to fully experience its larger-than-life action and stunning cosmic visuals. It’s a strong step forward for the DCU and an excellent showcase for its newest hero.