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From Superheroes to History: "Supergirl" and "Magallanes" Lead Weekend Releases
๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ Mexico /Culture & Society

From Superheroes to History: "Supergirl" and "Magallanes" Lead Weekend Releases

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • Two films are highlighted for weekend release: "Supergirl," a blockbuster about a post-apocalyptic version of the character, and "Magallanes," an independent film based on real Latin American history.
  • "Supergirl" director Craig Gillespie describes the film as a departure from traditional superhero narratives, featuring a more complex and troubled Kara Zor-El.
  • "Magallanes" focuses on the historical journey of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, a subject rarely explored in cinema.

This weekend's cinema releases offer a stark contrast, pitting a major Hollywood blockbuster against an independent film rooted in real history. "Supergirl" promises a fresh take on the iconic character, while "Magallanes" delves into the lesser-known story of a pivotal historical explorer.

Director Craig Gillespie characterizes "Supergirl" not as a typical superhero movie, but as a post-apocalyptic tale. He notes that the film presents Kara Zor-El in unexpected facets: grappling with vengeance, mental health struggles, and a deep sense of loss, particularly after witnessing Krypto's severe injury. The narrative reportedly downplays romance in favor of a search for belonging. Actress Milly Alcock, who plays Supergirl, describes her portrayal as a "real woman" with vulnerabilities and emotional complexities.

Critics have noted the film's raw portrayal of Supergirl's origins, with some publications highlighting the character's potential to evoke antipathy while retaining charisma. Gillespie's previous work, including "I, Tonya" and "Pam & Tommy," suggests a penchant for exploring the darker, more complex sides of real-life figures and controversial stories. Producer James Gunn reportedly encouraged Gillespie to forge a unique path for this iteration of Supergirl, distinct from Superman's narrative.

In contrast, "Magallanes" aims to fill a cinematic void by focusing on the historical journey of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. The film highlights the rarity of historical dramas centered on explorers, noting that even figures as significant as Christopher Columbus have received limited cinematic attention. This independent production, originating from Mexico, offers a different kind of cinematic experience, focusing on historical accuracy and the challenging voyages of discovery.

No me molesta esa analogรญa

โ€” Craig GillespieDirector Craig Gillespie's response when asked if "Supergirl" is similar to dark, violent films like "Mad Max."
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.