Review: Supergirl film underperforms at box office but is surprisingly good

The new Supergirl film, part of the DCU's Gods and Monsters chapter, has been beset by online troll attacks, mixed reviews, and a deeply disappointing opening weekend box office. These outcomes were not what Warner Bros. had hoped for with this follow-up to last year's Superman.

Film critics suggest that Supergirl is a "pretty good movie, as such films go," but acknowledge it is "not a great movie." In the current oversaturated market for superhero films, this level of quality is reportedly insufficient to draw audiences to theaters, leading many to await its streaming release instead.

The script was written by Ana Nogueira, a holdover from previous DCEU plans, and director Craig Gillespie (known for "Lars and the Real Girl," "I Tonya") took the helm. The project was re-envisioned when James Gunn and Peter Safran launched the new DCU.

For the film to succeed commercially, it would need to resonate more strongly with audiences or offer a distinct advantage over streaming options to drive theatrical attendance.