Brittany Kelley
DC had an epic crash and burn in its last attempted movie universe, but I’d argue that the new take is doing much better. The first film in the DC Universe (DCU), “Superman,” was released last year and featured a sneak peek of Supergirl Kara Zor-El, cousin of Kal-El Zor-El, or Clark Kent AKA Superman.
Arguably, she didn’t make a good impression, entering obviously drunk and looking for her fan-favorite and destructive dog, Krypto.
In her new movie, “Supergirl,” Kara’s demeanor is no different. She begins the movie slumped in her spaceship after a night out of partying, something that seems to be her norm, rather than simply a one-time celebration for her 23rd birthday.
The story then unfolds as she meets Ruthye Marye Knoll, a young girl whose family was murdered by Krem of the Yellow Hills and is now seeking vengeance.
To be truthful, I wasn’t initially interested in this movie. I thought, “I’m not quite sold on watching a drunk person stumble around for two hours.” Still, I went to see it because my boyfriend loves “Superman” and I’m trying my best to keep up with this new universe.
Imagine my surprise when the movie managed to elicit tears from me not once, not twice, but more than three times.
Kara’s story is one anyone who has experienced trauma and is finding a way to survive can relate to. Ruthye — a character that I thought I would hate, simply because, historically, child actors are not great — is wonderfully naive in a way that only children can be.
By the end, I found a love for Kara that I didn’t think I’d have. Even later, as I explained the plot to my mother, tears formed thinking about the ending.
“This will be a hit,” I exclaimed, only to be proven wrong as soon as the opening weekend numbers began coming through and reviews were released. A whopping $58.5 million domestic and $100.5 million worldwide, with a 54% on Rotten Tomatoes. “Thor: Love and Thunder,” a horrendous movie mind you, even has a 64% rating.
I understand some of the critiques; I even agree, but at the center of many comments, I noticed that a resounding disappointment was the simplicity of the plot or stating that we’ve already seen this story. It has me asking, “What’s wrong with that?”
Whereas the outline of the plot was simple, there were intricate character designs and sets, development of a healthy sisterhood and surprising in-realm issues that center around the treatment of women that need to be shared. There are also such fun action scenes, matched with camera work that just heighten the experience, something that I feel like I haven’t seen in years.
So, what’s wrong with a straightforward plot? We have gone so long without classic superhero movies. A simple: this guy is bad and we need to stop him. Marvel Studios has taken a monopoly over the industry and with that, so much released has been centered around universes that expand into multiverses, time travel and more, which, yes, can be done well, but also serve as a lazy operative, in my opinion.
Oh, this person gets cancelled and we can’t use him anymore? Just don’t mention him again; it’s multiverse anyway.
The audience can assume a character dies because the actor wants out? Wait, bring him back nearly a decade later because numbers are down. We can just say he time traveled to solve the age issue.
Even the fun Easter eggs to fans, such as long-time fan-cast John Krasinski playing Mister Fantastic, only to die three minutes later, are frustrating. These moments add … what, exactly, to the universe?
Maybe instead of all of these crazy ideas that fail to be fleshed out and are never followed through, we need to go back to the original blueprint.
I’m happy to say that I do think the industry has understood this with the release of recent movies, such as “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” where heroes fight evil to save their world, or “Thunderbolts*,” which features an accidental ragtag group coming together to resolve danger.
Stories can be great without being over the top and complex. All of these have premises that sound flat or basic, yet they were able to share heartfelt stories that audiences could relate to — that is what makes a good movie. Yes, watching someone with superpowers throw things and run really fast is cool, but it’s when a viewer can sit back and say, “I’ve felt that exact same way,” that completes a movie.
Actually, I think this realization is why there’s been more success with the recent Marvel releases mentioned, as opposed to the random miniseries and movies released from 2020-2024 (Let it be known this does not include “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.” I love that movie.) or even in “Superman,” which grossed $125 million opening weekend. People have mental health issues, they have a child that they’d do anything for or they mourn the loss of a loved one. In “Superman,” people can look at the political state we’re in and find connections, whether they agree or disagree.
After looking into this and the recognition that maybe a “simple plotline” actually isn’t so bad, it begs the question of why “Supergirl” flopped, if it’s actually meeting the new standard that’s being created.
Though, if we’re being honest, the movie was never going to be a hit. Despite some praise for Milly Alcock’s portrayal, we live in an inherently misogynistic society, where even those who claim to want better for women still scoff at the idea of a female-led movie, instead opting to “see it at home.”
Pair this with the lack of promotion — especially compared to “Superman” — and you have the result of a box office flop.
Now, it’s going to head to digital streaming a month after its release. This treatment is all too common with female-led movies. “Black Widow” didn’t even have the opportunity for a real theatrical run, instead it was released on streaming simultaneously. Granted, this did better than “Supergirl” revenue wise, but the point is the never-ending disrespect that comes from audiences and studios. I even remember the discourse that started over the all-woman moment in “Avengers: Infinity War.”
We can’t keep doing this; these movies deserve support, too. Women deserve support. The aforementioned movies — “Superman,” “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” “Thunderbolts*” — didn’t receive nearly the same assessment “Supergirl” did and it’s a result of the same patterns that society refuses to move past, no matter how much we “progress.” Either nothing is expected of women because people assume the worst or expectations will never be met, due to the extreme criticism.
Obviously, this does not apply to viewers who went and supported female-led movies, but to those that call themselves fans of superhero movies, take a chance and support “Supergirl” and the DCU. Besides, when is the last time in recent years you’ve been able to be at the start of a seemingly good universe? Good being the keyword.
That being said, you don’t have to think about your next plans; I’ve done it for you: have a nice night with buttery popcorn and a big drink and go see “Supergirl” in theaters, while you still can.
Kelley is news editor of the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch. She can reached via email at [email protected].
