‘Supergirl’ Review: Milly Alcock Takes Charge in a Dystopian Superhero Movie So Flat It’s Super-Horrendous

Milly Alcock soars as Supergirl, but her performance can't save a flat, formulaic DC adaptation. Our comprehensive review breaks down the film's problems, from its generic visuals to its forgettable villain, and explains why critics are calling it “super-horrendous.”

Introduction

There’s a moment in Craig Gillespie’s Supergirl when Kara Zor-El—played with fierce commitment by Australian rising star Milly Alcock—looks directly into the camera with an expression that says, “I know this is ridiculous, but I’m committed anyway.” It’s the kind of meta-awareness that James Gunn has made his trademark across the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy and last year’s Superman reboot. But here, it lands with a thud.

The second installment of the revamped DC Universe arrives in theaters on June 26, 2026, carrying the weight of enormous expectations. Following in the footsteps of Gunn’s Superman—which earned an 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes—Supergirl was supposed to be the next confident step in DC’s cinematic renaissance. Instead, it arrives with a Rotten Tomatoes score hovering around 57% and a Metacritic score of 49 out of 100, firmly in “mixed or average” territory.

What went wrong? The answer is frustratingly simple: Supergirl has a star who is absolutely perfect for the role and a movie that has absolutely no idea what to do with her. It’s a film that mistakes grit for depth, darkness for maturity, and snark for character development. And it leaves you wondering how a project with this much talent—Alcock, Jason Momoa as Lobo, a reported $175 million budget—could feel so aggressively minor.

This review breaks down exactly where Supergirl flies and where it crash-lands, drawing on the full spectrum of critical reaction from both sides of the Atlantic.

Key Facts Table

Aspect	Details
Title	Supergirl
Director	Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella)
Screenwriter	Ana Nogueira
Based On	Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely (2021)
Lead Cast	Milly Alcock (Kara Zor-El/Supergirl), Jason Momoa (Lobo), Eve Ridley (Ruthye), Matthias Schoenaerts (Krem), David Corenswet (Superman cameo)
Release Date	June 26, 2026 (worldwide); international rollout from June 24
Budget	Approximately $175 million
Rotten Tomatoes	57% (as of June 24, 2026, based on 111+ reviews)
Metacritic	49/100 (“mixed or average reviews,” based on 39 reviews)
Box Office Projection	$34–50 million domestic opening weekend
Rating	PG-13 (sequences of strong violence, action, language, and smoking)
Runtime	Approximately 2 hours
Distributor	Warner Bros. Pictures / DC Studios

The Premise: A Drunk, Depressed Superhero

Supergirl opens not with heroics but with a hangover. Kara Zor-El is on a week-long binge across planets with red suns—where her Kryptonian powers are nullified, allowing her to get drunk . She’s celebrating her 23rd birthday the only way she knows how: by numbing the pain of watching her planet explode and her parents die.

Her cousin Kal-El (Superman, played by David Corenswet in a cameo) keeps checking in from Earth with concerned messages. Kara ignores them. All she needs is her faithful dog Krypto—who, as any Superman fan will recall, featured prominently in last year’s film.

Then she meets Ruthye Marye Knoll (Eve Ridley), a young girl whose family was slaughtered by Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts), the leader of a band of space pirates known as the Brigands . Ruthye is on a quest for revenge. Kara wants nothing to do with it—her motto, as she puts it, is “Not my monkeys, not my circus”.

But when Krem poisons Krypto and steals Kara’s ship, she has three days to find the antidote. Reluctantly, and with Ruthye in tow, Kara embarks on a planet-hopping adventure that critics have compared to True Grit, Mad Max, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

It sounds like a recipe for something fresh. Instead, it’s a recipe for something frustratingly familiar.

What Works: Milly Alcock and the Spark of Something Great

A Star-Making Performance

If there is one thing virtually every critic agrees on, it’s this: Milly Alcock is exceptional.

Alison Willmore of Vulture calls her “a very watchable lead”. Digital Spy notes that her performance is “so good” it “deserves a better movie”. The Guardian describes the film as “sprightlier and sparkier” than last year’s Superman, largely thanks to her. The Radio Times praises her “all grunge aesthetic and attitude”. The Australian Nightly calls her “wonderfully snarky and emotionally hefty”.

Alcock, who rose to fame in House of the Dragon and briefly appeared as Supergirl in 2025’s Superman, brings a punk-rock energy to Kara that feels genuinely fresh. This isn’t the polished, perfect hero we’ve seen before. She’s messy, angry, grieving, and deeply reluctant to care about anyone or anything. She wears a Blondie t-shirt and a long red overcoat. She wakes up with her sunglasses askew and her hair unbrushed.

And yet, beneath the cynicism, Alcock finds moments of genuine pathos. Flashbacks to Krypton’s destruction—featuring David Krumholtz as Zor-El and Emily Beecham as Alura In-Ze—are “artfully composed and heartbreaking,” according to Empire. The Nightly notes that Alcock is “particularly great in those scenes with emotional heft, because she is so effective at pathos without histrionics”.

Jason Momoa Steals Scenes

Jason Momoa, making his debut as the intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo after leaving Aquaman behind, is another highlight. Critics have praised his “cheerfully cigar-smoking man-mountain” performance. He brings the chaotic energy that the rest of the film so desperately lacks.

Krypto the Superdog

Yes, the dog is charming. Even the harshest critics admit that Krypto—who spends most of the film poisoned and in need of saving—provides genuine emotional stakes.

What Doesn’t Work: Almost Everything Else

The Script: “The Worst I Can Remember”

This is where things get uncomfortable for DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn.

Gunn has repeatedly emphasized that “storytelling is king” at DC Studios. He has promised that no film will be greenlit without a finished script the studio is happy with. These words have come back to haunt him.

Owen Gleiberman of Variety—whose review headline declares the film “so flat it’s super-horrendous”—wrote that Gunn has “given us a comic-book movie with the worst script I can remember”. It’s a scathing assessment that has been echoed across the critical landscape.

Alonso Duralde of The Film Verdict called Supergirl “a shambolic affair, cursed with underwhelming action and forgettable antagonists”. The Associated Press noted that the film “struggles to match Kara’s punk-rock energy with an equally spirited supporting cast and story”.

What makes the script so disappointing? Several problems stand out:

Paper-Thin Motivations: As Gleiberman put it, “Kill Krem! Save the dog! Those are the motivations driving the entire not-even-interesting-enough-to-be-convoluted plot”. The stakes never rise above the functional.

Deus Ex Machina Overload: The Daily Express review notes “more deus ex machinas than you can shake a stick at, characters surviving the unsurvivable, the dismissal of any and all logic”.

A Forgettable Villain: Matthias Schoenaerts does his best with Krem, but the character is so one-dimensional that he makes Marvel’s Malekith look complex. Vulture describes him as having “a wild-eyed performance that heavily implies there is a space Belgium out there—and that you wouldn’t want to visit it”.

A Grim Subplot Handled Poorly: Krem is involved in kidnapping young girls for what can only be described as a child sex ring. It’s a dark subject that the film barely develops, so it “just comes across as needlessly icky”.

The Direction: Messy and Uninspired

Craig Gillespie has directed acclaimed films like I, Tonya and Cruella. But here, his direction feels off.

Slant Magazine notes that “Gillespie’s direction betrays a discomfort when it comes to action, with scenes of mayhem that are always amping up but never quite peak”. The Arizona Republic describes “messy direction, dark fight scenes, and poor computer graphics”.

Even the film’s defenders admit the action sequences are hard to follow. Vulture complains about “the visual murkiness of the settings” making it “hard to follow the already unintelligible action sequences”.

The Visuals: A Generic Space Dystopia

Supergirl takes place on a series of planets that all look the same: brown, grey, and grim . If this is meant to convey Kara’s negative outlook on life, it comes at the detriment of the movie.

Digital Spy notes that “every planet looks the same” and that the “brown, murky colour palette” only “brings back memories of Thor: The Dark World”. That’s not a comparison any filmmaker wants.

The CGI has also drawn criticism. One reviewer noted that the “CGI-dominated aliens” made one “feel trapped in a Muppet movie”.

The Accent Problem

Eve Ridley, who plays Ruthye, is British—but according to the Daily Express, she “seems unable to hold on to her English accent the whole way through, slipping from a Game of Thrones-inspired northern burr to a more traditional RP between scenes”. It’s a small detail, but in a film already struggling with credibility, it stands out.

The “Girl Power” That Isn’t

Supergirl was promoted as a feminist superhero film. But as the Daily Express points out, the film “seemed to reinforce the idea that girls need saving—often from themselves”. Ruthye, the young female sidekick, is “more a millstone around Kara’s neck—she’s constantly forced to swoop in and save her, even at the climax, while Ruthye herself is afforded zero development”.

Comparison: How Does It Stack Up Against Superman (2025)?

The comparison to last year’s Superman is inevitable—and not in Supergirl’s favor.

Superman earned an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics praised its “charmingly earnest, maximalist” approach. Supergirl, by contrast, feels like a step backward.

However, not all critics agree that Supergirl is worse. The Daily Beast argues that Supergirl “is superior to last year’s franchise-starter Superman” in some ways, particularly because it “has no such attention deficit disorder” and maintains focus on its main character.

But even that review concludes that Supergirl is “merely a formulaic stab at adding diversity” and “its lack of originality or grandeur renders it a less-than-super spin-off”.

What the Critics Are Saying: A Roundup

Critic/Outlet	Quote	Verdict
Owen Gleiberman, Variety	“The worst script I can remember”	Negative
Alison Willmore, Vulture	“Aggressively minor movie” that “doesn’t know what to do with” Alcock	Mixed
Digital Spy	“A performance as good as Milly Alcock's deserves a better movie”	Mixed
The Guardian	“Sprightlier and sparkier” than Superman	Positive-leaning
Alonso Duralde, The Film Verdict	“A shambolic affair, cursed with underwhelming action and forgettable antagonists”	Negative
The Hollywood Reporter	“DC's latest caped caper is stuck on autopilot”	Mixed
Empire	Flashbacks are “artfully composed and heartbreaking”	Mixed
Radio Times	“Alcock rises above the underwhelming script and direction”	Mixed
The Arizona Republic	“Despite a strong lead performance, the film suffers from messy direction, dark fight scenes, and poor computer graphics”	Negative
ComingSoon.net	“Alcock is perfectly cast” but “nothing is truly exceptional” beyond her and Momoa	Mixed

The Box Office Question

Supergirl reportedly cost around $175 million** to produce. Box office projections for its domestic opening weekend range from **$34 million to $50 million—a soft start for a film of this scale.

It will be competing against Toy Story 5, which opened to a record $159.67 million and is expected to dominate its second weekend. Even the most optimistic projections put Supergirl in second place at best.

For a studio betting big on the new DC Universe, these numbers are concerning.

Step-by-Step Guide: Should You See Supergirl?

Step 1: Ask yourself why you want to see it.

If you’re a Milly Alcock fan: Yes. Her performance is widely praised as the film’s best element.
If you’re a Jason Momoa fan: Yes. He brings energy and charisma as Lobo.
If you’re a DC completionist: Yes. It’s the second film in the new DCU.
If you’re looking for a great superhero movie: No. There are better options.

Step 2: Check the reviews.

Rotten Tomatoes: 57% as of June 24
Metacritic: 49/100

Step 3: Consider your tolerance for flaws.

Can you overlook a forgettable villain and generic visuals? You might enjoy it.
Do you need a tightly plotted script and compelling stakes? You’ll be disappointed.

Step 4: Decide on format.

IMAX or standard? The visuals aren’t stunning enough to justify premium pricing.
3D? Probably not worth it.

Step 5: Manage your expectations.

This is not Superman (2025). It’s not Guardians of the Galaxy. It’s a mid-tier superhero film with a great lead performance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Watching Supergirl

❌ Expecting Another Superman

Last year’s Superman set a high bar. Supergirl doesn’t clear it. Go in with lowered expectations.

❌ Focusing Only on the Plot

The plot is thin. The film works best when you focus on character moments—especially Alcock’s performance.

❌ Ignoring the Source Material

Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow is a beloved graphic novel. The film is a loose adaptation at best. If you go in expecting a faithful adaptation, you’ll be disappointed.

❌ Bringing Kids to a “Dark” Film

The PG-13 rating includes “sequences of strong violence” and references to child trafficking. This isn’t a light family film.

❌ Paying for Premium Formats

The visuals aren’t impressive enough to justify IMAX or 3D pricing.

Expert Tips for Getting the Most Out of Supergirl

Tip 1: Focus on Alcock

She’s the reason to watch. Pay attention to her performance—the micro-expressions, the emotional beats, the way she sells the character’s grief.

Tip 2: Enjoy Momoa’s Lobo

He’s clearly having fun. Let his energy carry you through the duller moments.

Tip 3: Don’t Overthink the Plot

It’s not going to hold up to scrutiny. Treat it as a character study with action sequences, not a tightly plotted thriller.

Tip 4: Watch the Flashbacks

The Krypton flashbacks are some of the film’s best sequences. Pay attention to them.

Tip 5: Read Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow First

The graphic novel is excellent. Reading it will give you context for what the film could have been—and make you appreciate Alcock’s performance even more.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Supergirl (2026) worth watching?

That depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re a fan of Milly Alcock or Jason Momoa, yes. If you’re looking for a great superhero movie, probably not. Critics are divided, but most agree Alcock’s performance is the highlight.

2. What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for Supergirl?

As of June 24, 2026, Supergirl has a 57% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on over 111 reviews. It is currently “Rotten.”

3. What is the Metacritic score for Supergirl?

Supergirl has a 49 out of 100 score on Metacritic based on 39 reviews, which the site classifies as “mixed or average reviews”.

4. Who plays Supergirl in the 2026 movie?

Australian actress Milly Alcock plays Kara Zor-El / Supergirl. She previously appeared as the character in a cameo in 2025’s Superman.

5. Is Jason Momoa in Supergirl?

Yes. Jason Momoa plays Lobo, an intergalactic bounty hunter, in his DCU debut. Critics have praised his performance.

6. Is Supergirl based on a comic book?

Yes. The film is loosely adapted from the 2021 graphic novel Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. However, critics note that it’s not a faithful adaptation.

7. How does Supergirl compare to Superman (2025)?

Superman earned an 86% on Rotten Tomatoes. Supergirl currently sits at 57%. Most critics consider Superman the superior film, though some argue Supergirl has better focus on its main character.

8. What is the budget for Supergirl?

The film reportedly cost approximately $175 million to produce.

9. When does Supergirl release in theaters?

Supergirl releases worldwide on June 26, 2026. The international rollout began on June 24, 2026.

10. Will there be a sequel?

That depends on box office performance. With projections of $34–50 million for its domestic opening weekend, a sequel is far from guaranteed. However, DC Studios has plans for a interconnected universe, so characters may appear in other films regardless.

Conclusion

Supergirl is a film that will be remembered—if it’s remembered at all—as a missed opportunity. It has everything it needs to succeed: a talented lead, a beloved source material, a strong supporting cast, and a studio committed to quality. And yet, it delivers a flat, forgettable experience that wastes nearly all of its potential.

Milly Alcock deserves better. Jason Momoa deserves better. The Woman of Tomorrow graphic novel deserves better. And audiences—especially those in the USA, Canada, the UK, Australia, and beyond who have been waiting decades for a proper Supergirl film—deserve better.

What makes the failure so frustrating is that it’s not a disaster. It’s not Batman & Robin. It’s not Catwoman. It’s just… mediocre. And in a world where superhero films are competing for audience attention against streaming, gaming, and an endless parade of content, mediocre isn’t enough.

The DC Universe is still finding its footing. Superman was a promising first step. Supergirl is a stumble. The question now is whether DC Studios can learn from this misstep and deliver something truly super next time.

For now, Supergirl is worth seeing for Alcock’s performance—but only if you’re prepared to sit through a film that never quite takes flight.

Rating: ★★½ (out of five)

‘Supergirl’ Review: Milly Alcock Takes Charge