Milly Alcock reprises the dual role of Supergirl and Kara Zor-El in the latest film, directed by Craig Gillespie, sitting within the new DC Universe co-founded by Peter Safran and James Gunn. Milly made her first appearance as Superman’s cousin in the 2025 release ‘Superman’, which starred David Corenswet and Nicholas Hoult. This time, Supergirl is in the spotlight and we get a deeper understanding of the complexities of Supergirl and the woman behind the cape. She joins a lineup of actors including Eve Ridley, Jason Momoa, David Corenswet and Matthias Schoenaerts.
Superheroes are often pre-packaged as altruistic, well-rounded, justice-seeking individuals who lead with integrity and a strong moral compass. But the concept of this film strays away from that, showing what happens when life is a bit messier. Supergirl has a very human quality for a non-human, as she navigates life in space, across different planets away from Krypton, Earth and her cousin Superman. In the throes of a party lifestyle, she is catapulted out of her routine when she crosses paths with Ruthye Marye Knoll, played by Eve Ridley. With a shared enemy in sight, the cruel Krem of the Yellow Hills, they both join forces as they go on a journey that takes them across interstellar space.
The opening sequence feels like a continuation of the character that was introduced in the 2025 ‘Superman’, as she is a party-going, free-spirited individual. Emphasising the word ‘individual’, she is very much on her own, despite her party lifestyle. There is a sense of deja vu at the start of the film as she wakes up hungover from her numerous drinking occasions. The one constant throughout that scene is her companion and famous canine Krypto, who has been her pet for a significant part of her life. The opening of the ‘Superman’ movie mirrored elements of the beginning of ‘Supergirl’. Superman was found wounded after a fight and was alone, with Krypto by his side. In ‘Supergirl’, she was wounded by her own actions, the repercussion of the drinking and partying, and Krypto was also by her side. Immediately, ‘Supergirl’ felt different in tone as she wasn’t battling an external enemy, but it seemed like she was battling and escaping parts of herself.
Led by fate, the unconventional friendship between Supergirl and Ruthye Marye Knoll is central to the film, and their bond evolves through many challenges. With loss and injustice at the heart of both characters, the film delves into deeper philosophical questions. It ponders whether revenge is warranted as a way to bring relief to grief and how to move on in life and to let go of the past. Another facet exploring loss within the film ‘Supergirl’ was through the use of flashbacks. This movie wasn’t an origin story and deviates from that, whereas most franchises tend to lead in that direction when releasing a superhero movie. By moving away from this, we were able to meet Supergirl years after her character-defining moment and see glimmers of her past through flashbacks. This helped make the film feel gripping, giving the audience the tools to understand the intricacies behind Supergirl.
The soundtrack also packed a punch, bringing the film to life it captured the essence of Supergirl. With a score that heavily features female artists, it really amplified the core of the plot, which focuses on the bond between female friendships and sisterhood. The film had heart, humour and depth that explores the person behind Supergirl. She isn’t just Supergirl, she is also Kara Zor-El and this film merged two sides of her. The duality of being the young girl who had to leave Krypton and live with Superman on Earth and then becoming the independent Supergirl living life for herself.
If you’re looking for something to watch this summer, add ‘Supergirl’ to your list and it’s out now in cinemas.
