The most compelling character in the new Supergirl isn't the titular hero, nor is it the menacing villain stalking the cosmos. It is a CGI dog named Krypto. In last year’s Superman revival, the canine companion was a source of genuine joy and levity. Here, he is relegated to a glorified plot device, sidelined for the majority of a film that seems more interested in playing dress-up with other sci-fi franchises than establishing its own identity.

This is the latest attempt by Warner Bros. to turn Kara Zor-El into a cinematic powerhouse, following the 1984 film that famously stumbled and the six-season run of the CW series. Under the new DC management of Peter Safran and James Gunn, the studio clearly wanted to strike while the iron was hot, capitalizing on the momentum of last summer’s Superman. Yet, despite a script by Ana Nogueria that flashes moments of sharp wit, the film feels fundamentally misaligned.

A Genre-Bending Identity Crisis

The film’s narrative structure is a patchwork of borrowed aesthetics. At times, it feels like a space-faring True Grit, with Kara Zor-El (Milly Alcock) acting as the reluctant, world-weary protector to a young girl named Ruthye (Eve Ridley), who is hellbent on avenging her father’s murder at the hands of the villainous Krem (Matthias Schoenaerts).

But the film doesn't stop there. It pulls from Star Wars for its cantina-style sequences, Hellraiser for its antagonist’s design, and Mad Max for its high-octane vehicular carnage. While the action is relentless—featuring spaceship crashes, interplanetary pirates, and enough explosions to satisfy any blockbuster quota—the film struggles to find a cohesive tone. It is dark, gritty, and largely set in the cold vacuum of space, lacking the infectious, bright-eyed charm that made David Corenswet’s Superman such a standout.

The Momoa Factor

When the film does find its footing, it is usually because the focus shifts away from the central duo. Jason Momoa’s turn as the intergalactic bounty hunter Lobo is a masterclass in scene-stealing. Whether he is locked in a cell or tearing through space on his flying 'Spacehog' bike, Momoa brings a chaotic, unhinged energy that the rest of the movie desperately needs.

Similarly, the brief appearances of Corenswet provide the only moments where the film feels truly connected to the wider DC universe. When he appears in a flashback or a final-act cameo, the screen lights up. It is a stark reminder that the franchise’s greatest strength is its ability to create characters who feel like heroes, not just weary travelers in a bleak, neon-soaked galaxy.

Key Takeaways

  • Identity Issues: The film leans heavily on visual tropes from Mad Max and True Grit rather than carving out a distinct visual language for the Supergirl mythos.
  • The Krypto Problem: By turning the fan-favorite dog into a ticking-clock plot device rather than a character, the film loses its most reliable emotional anchor.
  • Standout Performances: While Alcock and Ridley carry the emotional weight of the story, Jason Momoa’s Lobo and David Corenswet’s brief cameos provide the film’s most memorable sequences.

The Road Ahead

There is a clear intention here to set up a larger franchise, with the final act leaving the door wide open for a sequel. However, the success of that endeavor will depend on whether the studio can move past the grim, outer-space origin template.

Kara Zor-El deserves a story that feels as expansive and hopeful as her cousin’s. For now, this iteration remains grounded by its own ambition, struggling to find the altitude required to soar. The next chapter will need to decide whether it wants to be a gritty space western or a true DC superhero film—because right now, it is trying to be both, and succeeding at neither.