DC's latest cosmic adventure, Supergirl, has finally touched down on Rotten Tomatoes, and the critical reception is anything but unanimous. The film, which stars Milly Alcock as the Woman of Tomorrow, currently holds a score that is more than 30% lower than the DCU's Superman, sparking debate among fans and industry watchers alike.
While Superman soared to critical acclaim earlier this year, Supergirl finds itself in a more turbulent orbit. The sci-fi epic, directed by a visionary filmmaker, has been praised for its bold visual style and Alcock's powerful performance, but criticized for a convoluted plot and uneven pacing. As of now, the film's Tomatometer sits at a modest 62%, compared to Superman's 94%—a gap of over 30 points.
What Critics Are Saying
Reviewers have lauded Alcock's portrayal of Kara Zor-El, with many calling it a standout in the DC canon. In our own Supergirl Review: Milly Alcock Delivers a Tragic, Powerful Woman of Tomorrow, we noted that the actress brings a raw, emotional depth to the role. However, the film's narrative ambitions have left some critics cold. The story, which follows Kara as she navigates a galaxy-spanning conspiracy, has been described as both "daring" and "overstuffed."
The divide is particularly sharp among genre fans. While some appreciate the film's willingness to take risks, others feel it loses focus amid its cosmic scope. This split is reflected in the audience score, which currently trails behind the critics' rating—a rare occurrence that suggests the film may be more divisive than initially expected.
How It Compares to the DCU's Superman
The DCU's Superman, which debuted earlier this year, was a critical and commercial juggernaut, earning rave reviews for its fresh take on the iconic hero. That film's near-perfect score set a high bar for Supergirl, and the gap has become a talking point among fans. Some argue that Supergirl is unfairly compared to its predecessor, while others see the lower score as a sign of creative missteps.
Interestingly, Superman recently soared to #1 on Prime Video, proving its enduring popularity. Whether Supergirl can replicate that streaming success remains to be seen, but early box office numbers suggest a strong opening weekend.
What This Means for DC Studios
For DC Studios, the mixed reception of Supergirl is a reminder that not every spin-off can match the heights of its source material. Still, the film's ambition and Alcock's performance have earned it a loyal fanbase. As the DCU continues to expand, with projects like My Adventures With Superman Season 4 and the Powerpuff Girls reboot movie on the horizon, the studio will be watching closely to see how audiences respond.
In the end, Supergirl may not be the critical darling that Superman was, but it offers a compelling, if flawed, entry into the DC universe. For fans of Milly Alcock and cosmic sci-fi, it's still worth a watch—just don't expect it to fly as high as the Man of Steel.
