Review: Milly Alcock’s ‘Supergirl’ flies beyond Superman’s shadow

Then there is Alcock. Despite the endless comparisons to previous live-action versions of the character and the inevitable scepticism that came with her casting, Alcock silences every doubt. She understands what makes Kara fundamentally different from Clark. She is impulsive, angry, reckless and still learning how to channel her grief. Alcock embraces those contradictions and delivers a performance that feels authentic rather than performative. Most importantly, she never tries to imitate Superman.

Unexpectedly, the film’s emotional heartbeat comes from the least talkative member of the cast. Krypto provides many of the story’s most heartfelt moments. His presence softens Kara’s rough edges and adds a layer of warmth that prevents the film from becoming too bleak. Whenever the story threatens to sink into darkness, Krypto reminds us why we care.

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A scene-stealer is Jason Momoa’s portrayal of Lobo. For years, fans have argued that the actor was born to play the foul-mouthed intergalactic bounty hunter, and Supergirl only strengthens that case. Momoa brings the same larger-than-life charisma that made him a standout in previous comic book roles, but here it feels like a perfect match rather than a reinterpretation. Lobo’s swagger, humour and sheer unpredictability fit him like a glove, making it difficult to imagine anyone else behind the character. 

Not everything lands, however. Matthias Schoenaerts brings menace to Krem of the Yellow Hills, but the character never quite reaches his full potential. While the film remains faithful to the comics, Krem often feels more like a plot device than a fully realised antagonist. A deeper exploration of his motivations could have elevated the conflict and given the story a more compelling emotional payoff.

The action, surprisingly, is another area where the film leaves you wanting more. Not because it is bad, but because it feels restrained. There are flashes of how devastatingly powerful Kara can be, yet the film rarely lets her unleash that power in a truly memorable way. For a character capable of moving mountains and surviving suns, some of the climactic battles feel contained. There is a sense of wanting more to see Supergirl fully cut loose.

If Superman represented the hopeful soul of James Gunn’s DC Universe, then Supergirl represents its emotional complexity. Together, they paint a promising picture of a franchise that understands superheroes can be inspiring without being simplistic.

Is it a safe film? In some ways, yes. It rarely takes risks that might alienate mainstream audiences. But it is also confident enough to distinguish itself from its predecessor while deepening the story around one of DC’s most beloved heroes.

Supergirl is now showing in Philippine cinemas.

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