The brand new Superman film by James Gunn flew into theaters on July 11th. This release marks the first superhero film in the rebooted DC cinematic universe led by James Gunn. With a fresh and compelling story tackling the topic of what it means to be human, this film captivated everyone’s hearts and brought back hope for the new DC films coming soon.
The film takes off with Superman, played by David Corenswet, needing to be healed after losing his first battle to a villain named “Hammer of Boravia” controlled by Lex Luthor. It’s then revealed in a heated interview between Lois and Clark Kent that the world is starting to turn its back on Superman because he involved himself in a war between the two fictional countries Boravia and Jhanpur. Lex Luthor sneaks into Superman’s fortress where he kidnaps Superman’s dog Krypto and finds a video by Superman’s parents on Krypton telling him to take over the world. Lex Luthor releases the video further pushing the world to hate Superman forcing him to turn himself in to the US government and Lex Luthor for questioning. Lex Luthor imprisons and tortures him in a pocket universe he uses to hold his enemies. Superman and Krypto are rescued by Lois Lane and the “justice gang” and taken to Jonathan and Martha Kent. Lex Luthor’s girlfriend leaks to daily profit photographer Jimmy Olsen that Luthor is involved in the war and helping Boravia take over Jhanpur. Luthor lures Superman to an unstable portal to the pocket dimension that ends up splitting the earth in half which distracts him from what Lex is doing in Boravia. Superman sends the Justice Gang to end the war in Jhanpur while he stays in Metropolis with Mr. Terrific to fight the hammer who is revealed to be a clone of Superman controlled by Lex Luthor. Superman and Mr. Terrific make it to Luthor headquarters, close the rift, and confront Luthor. Finally, Luthor’s involvement in the war is leaked to the public and he along with his associates are all arrested freeing all of Luthor’s leaving Superman free to embrace with Lois.
I particularly admired how the theme of empathy and what it means to be human was driven home in this film. Clark Kent gains his powers back after being broken down by reconnecting with his parents, through the reminder that love and emotions are the source of one’s own strength. Superman is being attacked the entire movie for being an alien and different even though in the end his emotions and want to help others makes him just as human as anyone else. At the end of the film he makes a speech towards Lex Luthor where he says his love, fear, and mistakes are what make him “as human as anyone.” This message in the film has brought a wave of hope throughout its audience and has people on all social media platforms talking about their newfound appreciation for humanity.
The film also provided a lot of allusions to problems we’re currently facing in the real world such as the genocide in Gaza and the ongoing immigration debate. Even though Superman originates from a different planet, it’s made clear by the end of the film that he’s just as deserving as any other citizen on earth. Your humanity and rights aren’t based on where you come from but based on your ability to love and feel. People shouldn’t be treated like another or ostracized because there are aspects about them you don’t relate to. The film also subtlety addresses the current conflict between Israel and Gaza. The war between Boravia and Jhanpur and the corruption involved is meant to directly reflect Israel and Gaza. Lex Luthor represents the rich politicians in America giving aid to Israel and providing weapons for their own personal gain. The people of Jhanpur are shown to be less powerful and not able to fairly fight back against Boravia just like the people of Gaza.
All and all I think this new film is a beautiful love letter to humanity. It celebrates what sets us apart from other living things and stresses the importance of empathy and helping others. I would recommend this film to everyone, not just DC or comic book fans.
