Written and directed by James Gunn, known for Guardians of the Galaxy, Superman not only presents a new Man of Steel in David Corenswet but also heralds the beginning of a revamped DC cinematic universe. This vibrant and enjoyable adventure triumphs in both aspects, delivering the best portrayal of Superman since Christopher Reeve. The film is filled with uplifting energy, features an impressive canine character, and boasts a vibrant comic book style. While this new superhero landscape may seem a bit crowded and somewhat familiar, it ultimately feels both dynamic and lived-in.
Story
Gunn shows no motivation to lull viewers into this new universe with an elaborate origin story or excessive exposition. Drawing inspiration from films like Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, he thrusts audiences right into the narrative, just three minutes after Supes has faced a major defeat at the hands of a villain. This motif recurs throughout the film: our protagonist endures quite a bit of hardship but always retaliates.
After being rescued by his mischievous superdog Krypto, Superman jumps back into the fray, yet he’s confronted with numerous challenges. The beloved hero in Metropolis is navigating a public relations crisis after thwarting a fictional attack by Boravia, which has ruffled the feathers of the U.S. government. On top of that, he’s drawing the ire of billionaire tech mogul Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult), a brilliant individual who harbors resentment towards this Kryptonian for overshadowing him in popularity.
Luthor, along with his crew—which includes influencer girlfriend Eve Teschmacher (Sara Sampaio), a tech-enhanced henchwoman known as The Engineer (María Gabriela de Faría), and the enigmatic masked figure Ultraman—launch an operation on Supes’ Fortress of Solitude. In their search, they uncover and expose a secret recording that Superman was unaware of, turning public opinion against him and leading our hero to reevaluate his past and sense of identity.
Performances
David Corenswet excellently captures the role, showcasing vulnerability, relatability, humor, righteous anger, and a delightful absence of cynicism in the quintessential good-guy portrayal. Brosnahan injects a lively assertiveness into Lois, who serves as the film’s de facto second lead, taking on more action-hero responsibilities than previous iterations of the character, and showing no tolerance for the annoying Guy Gardner (Nathan Fillion). Hoult is also a fantastic choice for the anxious and smarmy Lex, crafting a supervillain who feels strikingly genuine within this fantastical setting.
Behind the scenes
In terms of breathtaking visuals, Superman delivers, featuring exhilarating aerial action captured through dizzying, corkscrew camera work. Often illuminated by the yellow sun, the film is both literally and symbolically bright, setting it apart from over a decade of darker visual and tonal DC narratives. Cinematographer Henry Braham (who has worked with Gunn since Guardians 2) employs wide-angle lenses with a peculiar, almost fish-eye perspective. This striking yet unconventional approach sometimes falters, creating a warped viewpoint as the athletic, swift characters contort and flex across the screen in a manner reminiscent of The Fantastic Four’s Reed Richards. Nonetheless, it represents an ambitious leap that superhero films should embrace more frequently, and it offers something you haven’t witnessed before.
Final Verdict
Following the disorganized and unremarkable Phase 5 of the MCU, Superman is a revitalizing change, introducing a world filled with a soothing vision, thanks to Gunn. While it may not change the landscape of comic-book films as dramatically as Batman Begins and Iron Man did in the past, Superman marks an encouraging beginning for a new superhero universe, brimming with the potential to redefine the kinds of comic-book stories audiences are accustomed to. Superman might not be flawless, but in a single word, it certainly stands out.
