Supergirl (2026) Review Round-Up: What Critics Are Saying About Milly Alcock's DC Debut
Supergirl, the second film in the rebooted DC Universe, arrives in theaters on June 26, 2026 — and the early reviews are sharply divided. The broad consensus is that Milly Alcock is excellent as Kara Zor-El, but the film around her splits critics, with recurring complaints about its action, the handling of Jason Momoa’s Lobo, and how far it strays from its acclaimed source comic. Below is a round-up of what reviewers are saying, rather than a single verdict, since reactions genuinely vary. (This summarizes the critical reception; opinions are the critics’, not a personal review.)
What is Supergirl (2026) about?
Directed by Craig Gillespie and written by Ana Nogueira, with James Gunn and Peter Safran producing, Supergirl draws on the 2021 comic miniseries Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King and Bilquis Evely.
The story finds Kara Zor-El marking her 23rd birthday on red-sun planets, where her powers are dulled, drowning her grief over her lost family and home. She crosses paths with Ruthye, a young girl seeking revenge against a brutal marauder named Krem who murdered her family, and reluctantly joins an interstellar quest for vengeance and justice — with her super-dog Krypto along for the ride. David Corenswet’s Superman appears periodically, and the film sets up next year’s Superman: Man of Tomorrow. It runs one hour and 47 minutes and is rated PG-13.
What are critics saying about Supergirl?
The reception is decidedly mixed. Reactions range from critics calling it the best on-screen version of the character yet, to others labeling it one of the more disappointing superhero films in recent memory. Most reviews land somewhere in between: a film with a strong central performance and real emotional moments, undercut by uneven execution.
In other words, there’s little agreement on the film as a whole, but a striking amount of agreement on its individual strengths and weaknesses.
What’s working: Milly Alcock
The clearest point of consensus is Milly Alcock. Across glowing and harsh reviews alike, critics single out her performance as the film’s strongest asset, praising a portrayal that’s vulnerable and compassionate while still sharp and a little prickly. Reviewers are especially taken with her in the quieter, sadder moments — the flashbacks to Kara’s origins and the loss of her home, which several describe as the film’s most affecting material. Many also note that the brief scenes between Kara and Superman carry an easy warmth, leaving critics wanting more of that dynamic. The takeaway from even the negative reviews is that Alcock is a genuine find in the role.
What’s not working: action, Lobo, and the source material
The criticisms are just as consistent. A common complaint is that the action sequences are murky and hard to follow, lacking the clarity and punch of last year’s Superman. Jason Momoa’s Lobo draws particular scrutiny: while reviewers find him entertaining, many feel he’s shoehorned into a story that doesn’t need him, and at least one critic argued the way he’s used sits awkwardly with a female-led film. The most frequent disappointment, though, concerns the adaptation itself. The source comic is widely admired for its thoughtful take on heroism and the cost of revenge, and several critics feel the film softens or loses those themes, leaving Kara’s arc less resonant than it could have been. A tonal inconsistency — grimmer than the bright, hopeful Superman — also comes up repeatedly.
Is Supergirl suitable for children?
This is worth flagging for families, because it surprised several reviewers. Despite the superhero branding and a PG-13 rating, the film is notably adult in places. Critics point to a fair amount of violence, a heroine who spends substantial early stretches drunk, and dialogue that pushes hard against the limits of its rating. More than one reviewer noted they wouldn’t bring younger children, even ones who’d be excited by a female superhero lead. If you’re considering it as family viewing, it’s worth checking detailed content notes first.
Should you watch Supergirl?
Because the reviews are so split, the honest answer depends on what you want from it. If you’re drawn to a strong central performance and a more melancholy, character-driven take on the character, there’s a lot here to appreciate — and Alcock alone is reason enough for many viewers. If you came in hoping for the energy and clarity of Gunn’s Superman, or you’re devoted to the source comic, several critics suggest tempering your expectations. Either way, it’s a film people are reacting to strongly in both directions, which can make it worth seeing and forming your own opinion. It’s in theaters from June 26.
The bottom line
Supergirl is shaping up to be one of 2026’s more divisive superhero films: a showcase for Milly Alcock that critics widely praise, wrapped in a movie whose action, additions, and adaptation choices leave many wanting more. Whether that adds up to a hit or a misfire seems to come down to personal taste — so if the premise appeals, it may be one to judge for yourself.
For more on what to watch, see our round-ups of the best shows on HBO Max this week and the top movies on Netflix.
This article summarizes critical reception as of late June 2026 and does not represent a personal review of the film. Critical opinions are those of the respective reviewers.