Supergirl must save Krypto! Milly Alcock truly shines as Kara Zor-El/Supergirl. The Australian actress is perfectly cast as Superman’s cousin in Supergirl (2026). At the heart of the story is Kara’s deep love for her feisty, loyal companion in Krypto the Superdog. Move over Superman AKA the ‘Man of Tomorrow’ as Supergirl’s very own film sees Alcock as the new ‘Girl of Tomorrow.’
Written by Ana Nogueira and directed by Craig Gillespie (I Tonya, and Cruella), a new Supergirl film is just what the world needs right now; adapted from the comic book miniseries, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely. Of course, the slightly shaky spin-off live-action Supergirl (1984) comes to mind for Kara’s representation in cinema. But Alcock’s version of the alien superhero is what we need for this inspirational female character.
Soaring Intergalactic Journey
Stuck in a rut from her all-day drinking, Kara needs a new lease of life to get her back on track. She’s independent and all she needs is her childhood dog, the white, fluffy, and adorably friendly, Krypto. That is until a new mission sends her flying. After the destructive alien pirate, Krem of the Yellow Hills (Matthias Schoenaerts) murders the family of alien teenager, Ruthye (Eve Ridley) sets out to seek Kara’s help.
But the mission turns personal when Krem poisons Krypto and Kara must find the antidote within just three days before it’s too late. Her intergalactic journey takes her through various planets. Krem is a fantastic scary antagonist who feels like a horror film villain. His facial studs feel reminiscent of Pinhead from Hellraiser (1987). The stakes are set high and the simple overarching storyline works extremely well – DC Cinematic Universe needs to take note.
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
Although for most of the film, Kara doesn’t have her superpowers yet as she’s under the red sun, where she is pretty normal. Yet the real action scenes come into play when she’s under the yellow sun. An amazing scene occurs when the destructive kryptonite hits her bloodstream and it shows how it affects her powers.
Also, along for the journey is outer space bounty-hunter, Lobo (Jason Momoa) – armed with a hook and signature motorcycle. Teaming up with Kara and Ruthye on a revenge mission, his role is small but vital. Equally sharing the hate against Krem, Lobo’s heavy makeup is reminiscent of Gene Simmons’ makeup from rock band, Kiss. Lobo’s just as cool as them.
Supergirl & Krypto:
A Heart-warming Endeavour
Supergirl feels inspired by multiple franchises from the worlds of Star Wars, Blade Runner, and Mad Max. Gillespie’s version of Supergirl feels like a mixture between its world being inspired by the dystopian universe of Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982) and it’s supporting cast being characters you would find in George Lucas’ Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977) and its subsequent franchise. Supergirl’s world is dark and dangerous as Krem and the Brigands attempt to re-populate their species by kidnapping young girls. Kara must also work on saving and freeing the captive brides and the Sklarian Raiders from captivity.
Also attempting to help in a cameo is the legend himself, Clark/Superman (David Corenswet) as he tries to guide his cousin. Well-placed flashbacks retell Kara’s backstory. But how she met and grew up with Krypto is a rather heart-warming endeavour. Similar to Kal-El’s (Superman) backstory, Kara must flee the crumbling planet of Krypton in an escape pod with Krypto. Their special bond is unbreakable and Kara must save him. This is what makes the story so passionate and alive.
Image courtesy of Warner Bros.
A New Generation of Supergirl
It feels like we’re finally receiving a DC Comics film that doesn’t go overboard on the villains and gregarious storylines. There’s one powerful supervillain in Krem and his Brigands army of space pirates and that’s all it needs. It’s a classic protagonist-antagonist showdown that makes all the right moves.
Kara’s costume is quite perfect. Designed by Anna B. Sheppard and Michael Mooney, it’s just the right mix between paying homage to the classic Supergirl comic design and being vibrantly modern. Although Kara’s transformation into Supergirl arrives rather late in the story – perhaps written as a continuation into the next film, which has plenty of hope.
Supergirl is everything you could wish for in a female-centred superhero action film. Alcock steps into the blue boots and wears the red cape with passion. She revitalises Kara into a soaring new generation of Supergirl.
Rating: 4 Stars
Supergirl is out in cinemas now.
You can catch up on reading our review of Superman (2025) here.
