Jakarta, en.SERU.co.id – Just one day after its theatrical release on Friday (26/6/2026), DC Studios’ Supergirl is already generating discussion about how Kara Zor-El feels significantly more human and relatable than her cousin Clark Kent in the rebooted DC Universe.
While Superman (2025) portrayed an idealistic hero raised with love and stability on Earth, Supergirl presents a more damaged and layered character. Kara Zor-El, played by Milly Alcock, is depicted as a survivor who endured years of violence and loss before reaching Earth.
James Gunn, co-CEO of DC Studios, emphasized this key difference. According to Gunn, Supergirl “watched everyone around her die and be killed in terrible ways for the first 14 years of her life,” in contrast to Superman, who was raised by loving adoptive parents from infancy.
Milly Alcock’s Performance Stands Out
Critics have largely praised Alcock’s portrayal as the film’s greatest strength. The Guardian described Supergirl as “sprightlier and sparkier” than Superman, which some viewers found relatively conventional.
The Hollywood Reporter called Kara an “appealingly punky protagonist,” while USA Today highlighted Alcock’s ability to give the character “likable depth while also maintaining an unpredictability.”
Alcock herself explained her character’s inner conflict. Alcock said in a pre-release interview with ComicBook.com:
“I think that she desires his freedom within himself that she doesn’t have. She really struggles to be who she is and I think that she sees that Clark can move through the world being exactly who he is without being interfered by his own personal demons. And I think she’s a bit jealous of that and she’d aspire to have that.” she said.
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Darker Themes and Emotional Resonance
Adapted from Tom King’s comic series Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, the film follows Kara on an interstellar journey of vengeance and justice. Reviewers noted its darker tone, featuring themes of grief, trauma, and revenge, with some comparing its energy to Mad Max and John Wick.
Den of Geek critic David Crow wrote:
“Supergirl is the superhero movie I’ve missed: a straightforward, poignant story with lots of emotion, especially when we see Kara through little Ruthye’s eyes.”
This grounded and emotionally raw approach makes Supergirl feel closer to real human experiences — a hero who struggles with her past rather than one who rises above it effortlessly.
Supergirl currently holds a critics’ score of approximately 58-60% on Rotten Tomatoes, while the audience score sits higher at around 76-77%. Despite some criticism regarding pacing and villains, many agree that Kara Zor-El is a compelling and relatable addition to the DCU.
*(Sources: IMDb, Wikipedia, The Guardian, Hollywood Reporter, USA Today Rotten Tomatoes)
