Supergirl is a dark, dystopian DC adventure flying into theaters on June 26,2026. The film takes the iconic DC heroine in a bold new direction, delivering a darker and more emotionally charged story than fans of traditional Superman films may expect. Read on for our super, spoiler-free review.

Synopsis:

Kara Zor-EL celebrates her 23rd birthday by traveling across the galaxy with her dog Krypto. Along the way, she meets the young Ruthye and encounters a tragedy that leads her on a murderous quest for revenge.

Supergirl Trailer:

Unlike her cousin Clark Kent, Kara Zor-El has never truly felt at home on Earth. Kara was brought to Earth as an adult after the destruction of Krypton. Because of this she struggles to form the same emotional connection to humanity that defines Superman’s character. Instead, Kara spends her time searching for purpose across the galaxy. Accompanied by her loyal companion, Krypto, she embarks on intergalactic adventures in an effort to escape the trauma of her past. As the film opens, Kara is wildly celebrating her 23rd birthday, drinking her days away while trying to outrun her grief.

Rather than focusing on heroics and Earth-bound adventures, Supergirl embraces a bleak cosmic setting filled with danger, loss, and self-discovery. The result is a film that feels closer to Guardians of the Galaxy or Star Wars than to the classic Superman movies. The dystopian atmosphere sets it apart from previous DC films. While visually impressive, the darker tone is paired with a surprising level of violence. Parents expecting a family-friendly superhero movie be aware that some scenes may be too intense for younger viewers (the film is rated PG-13).

Milly Alcock is outstanding as Supergirl. She brings depth, charisma, and emotional complexity to a character struggling to find her place in the universe. She captures Kara’s toughness while also revealing the vulnerability beneath her hardened exterior. The  movie’s biggest surprise however is Ruthye. Eve Ridley delivers a genuinely endearing performance and frequently steals the spotlight. Despite working with a storyline that doesn’t fully utilize her character, Ridley makes Ruthye impossible to ignore. Her courage, determination, and heart provide many of the film’s most memorable moments. The character is so compelling that it’s hard not to wish the filmmakers had devoted more time to her development.  If there’s a sequel I vote for Ruthye to pop into the mix.

My biggest complaint about the film is that Supergirl feels too short. With a run time of 1 hour, 47 minutes, the plot and character arcs, particularly Ruthye’s, deserved additional development. Even so, the film succeeds as an entertaining and emotionally engaging addition to the DC Universe.

Overall, Supergirl is a visually striking, action-packed space adventure anchored by strong performances from Milly Alcock and Eve Ridley. While its darker tone and violent content are not suitable for younger children, it offers a fresh take on one of DC’s most beloved heroes. Fans looking for a superhero movie with a cosmic edge  will find plenty to enjoy.