Seeing female superheroes get their own solo projects, whether a movie or series, is always exciting. Starring Milly Alcock, Supergirl is the latest woman-led comic book movie and the newest addition to James Gunn’s DC Universe. Though not without its flaws, the film has a good story, a great leading duo in Alcock and Eve Ridley, and entertaining action. But one of the best qualities of Supergirl is the way it firmly presents Kara Zor-El as her own imperfect but good character who isn’t defined by her cousin, Superman/Clark Kent.
The DCU’s Supergirl is a Necessary Take on the Hero
In the modern era of entertainment, the primary version of Supergirl thus far has been Melissa Benoist’s portrayal in the Supergirl television series on CBS and The CW. Benoist was a great Kara, and her show was a great addition to the Arrowverse. But as wonderful as that iteration of Supergirl was, she didn’t necessarily feel like her own distinct character. She felt more like a woman version of Clark Kent/Superman. That’s what makes Alcock’s Kara Zor-El in Supergirl (2026) especially intriguing — and necessary for the future of the DCU.
To reference Waitress the Musical, Supergirl stars a Kara who is messy but kind. She is still burdened with the grief of losing her home and family. Her spaceship is a mess, and she doesn’t care that Krypto’s chaotic nature contributes to that. She purposely goes to planets with red suns so that she can feel the ill effects of alcohol.
Kara doesn’t know who she is or what she wants. David Corenswet’s Clark is there for her, committed to helping her find a place and sense of belonging on Earth. But Alcock’s Kara isn’t ready to move on or discover herself. She’s not ambitious, determined, or eager to help like Benoist’s Supergirl. She will help when necessary, because she’s still a good person. But don’t expect her to go out of her way to make a difference.
Milly Alcock is an Imperfect but Good Hero in Supergirl
By choosing to embrace the mayhem and burden that grief often brings, Alcock’s Kara feels distinct and real. Supergirl makes an effort to show — not just tell — the audience how the turmoil of Krypton’s destruction affects her. That’s the kind of hero we need to see. Because as fun as it is to see the idyllic superhero who people can strive to be, it’s reassuring to see an imperfect but good superhero who people can see themselves in.
That idea is crucial to the story Supergirl tries to tell. It does so through Ruthye Marye Knolls’s experience. There’s a moment in the movie when Eve Ridley’s character says, in anger, that she wants to be nothing like Kara, referencing the woman’s sloppy, drunken demeanor. But Ruthye later backtracks and says a movie-defining line: “You’re not always nice, but you’re kind. You’re not always perfect, but you’re good.” It brilliantly captures how Kara is still worthy of being a hero and role model despite her flaws. Those words also help Kara accept her potential and position as a superhero, leading her to a place where she can find herself, move forward from her trauma, and embrace her future.
Supergirl Differentiates Kara from Superman/Clark Kent
Supergirl and Superman will always face inevitable comparisons, but the latest DCU movie makes an important distinction between the two Kryptonians. When Kara explains to Ruthye how she differs from her cousin, she says, “Clark sees the good in people. I see the truth.” Kara’s tough, realist approach to life is a stark and important contrast to Clark’s more hopeful, optimistic nature. They are not the same, and Supergirl isn’t just Superman in a skirt. They fight for the same purpose, but they have different approaches.
Supergirl explores the origins of her heroism. We see how Kara is developing into a hero and discovering what heroism is for her. She may have her own superhero suit, but, unlike Clark, she hasn’t fully accepted the superhero lifestyle. In the movie, she even admits, “It’s just a stupid suit.” So she doesn’t see value in it (yet) the way Clark does.
With time, perhaps Kara will learn to be more hopeful like her cousin. But it’s not inherent to her nature, and that’s okay. Because it doesn’t make her any less worthy or capable of being a hero. It just makes her into her own kind of hero, and this is just the beginning of her story.
Supergirl is now in theaters.
