‘Supergirl’ opens to mixed reviews, 57% on Rotten Tomatoes

Warner Bros.’ “Supergirl,” the second live-action entry in DC Studios’ rebooted DC Universe, opens in theaters Thursday to a divided critical reception, with the film holding a “rotten” 57% score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 148 reviews.

The film stars Milly Alcock as Kara Zor-El alongside Jason Momoa, who makes his debut as Lobo, with Matthias Schoenaerts as the villain Krem of the Yellow Hills and Eve Ridley as Ruthye Marye Knoll. Director Craig Gillespie — known for “I, Tonya” and “Cruella” — helmed the picture from a screenplay by Ana Nogueira.

The near-universal bright spot in reviews is Ms. Alcock’s performance. Digital Spy’s Ian Sandwell wrote that she manages to turn the familiar themes of grief and belonging into something affecting and endearing, while USA Today’s Brian Truitt called her superb at giving the character likable depth while maintaining an unpredictability.

Critical consensus breaks down sharply over the script and action sequences. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman called it the worst script he could recall for a DC outing, writing that the film is full of action yet numbingly flat. The Hollywood Reporter’s David Rooney described the action as seldom packing much visceral wallop and said the effects work was strictly standard-issue.

More measured assessments acknowledged the film’s shortcomings while finding merit in its ambitions. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw wrote that there are moments when you’ll believe this franchise can fly, and praised the film for telling a clear story without getting bogged down in tangled subsidiary material. IndieWire’s Kate Erbland noted that what makes the film stand out — and what may alienate fans looking for more of the same — is its interest in staying small while asking some very big questions.

Mr. Momoa’s Lobo drew comparably split notices: the Hollywood Reporter called the character amusing if underused, while Consequence’s Liz Shannon Miller wrote that his scenes serve as a reminder that the best use of Mr. Momoa is letting him be totally unhinged.

The film marks the first DCU project not written by co-CEO James Gunn, who serves here only as producer. Reviews point to a range of recurring weaknesses — flat pacing, generic action sequences, underdeveloped visual effects, an unmemorable villain, and tonal inconsistency — alongside criticism of Ms. Nogueira’s screenplay. DiscussingFilm noted the script is packed with ideas but prefers to sheepishly flirt with all these tones rather than balancing them, while Variety’s Gleiberman wrote that the film is full of action yet numbingly flat. The Hollywood Reporter suggested audiences invested in the DCU would be best to hold out for Gunn’s return to the director’s chair on next year’s Superman continuation, “Man of Tomorrow.”

By comparison, the previous DCU entries fared considerably better: “Creature Commandos” holds a 95% score, “Peacemaker” Season 2 a 94%, and last year’s “Superman” an 83%. Ms. Alcock is set to reprise the role in 2027’s “Man of Tomorrow,” which is currently in production.