This Summer, the latest Superman movie, directed by James Gunn, crashed into theatre with a hopeful message.
Recently, with the abundance of tragic news across the globe, it is easy to feel hopeless. This movie acts as a beacon in the darkness, offering a kinder perspective to its viewers. In the film, many of the antagonists and their motives are reflective of many real-world problems.
Lex Luthor, the main antagonist, is a billionaire who has his hands in international policy and conflicts. He is able, through money and influence, to use his wealth for bad. This is very reminiscent of modern-day billionaires who use their finances in ways which damage the environment, economy, and local communities.
The film features a conflict between two fictional countries, Boravia and Jarhanpur, which, though written before recent events, still echoes the kinds of geopolitical tensions we see worldwide. Whether or not these parallels were intentional, they highlight how stories of conflict can mirror the realities of our world and suggest that resolution is always possible.
As much as Superman physically fights the antagonists, real change comes not from his battles but from the journalists he works alongside. Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, with the team at the Daily Planet, publish an article exposing Lex Luthor’s ties to the conflict overseas, leading to his arrest and reshaping the world more effectively than any fight could.
The film reinforces this point through the Justice Gang, who defend Jarhanpur on the battlefield, while Lois and Jimmy, without superpowers, “save the day” by telling the truth. Their work shows that heroism can take many forms, and that exposing injustice or speaking up can be just as powerful as throwing a punch.
Clark Kent himself models everyday heroism. In one scene, he saves a woman from being crushed and then stays to comfort her, reminding her to breathe and assuring her she’ll be okay. Regular people may not be able to fly, but anyone can offer reassurance in moments of fear. The film suggests that simple, human acts, whether publishing an article, creating a video, or showing compassion, can ripple outward and change the world. In times that feel overwhelming, it offers a hopeful message: every person has the power to make a difference.
As Clark says, “I’m as human as anyone. I love; I get scared. I wake up every morning and despite not knowing what to do, I put one foot in front of the other and I try to make the best choices I can. I screw up all the time, but that is being human and that’s my greatest strength.” Sharing in our humanity is a world-binding trait we possess. You can change the world, through truth and kindness, because, as Superman calls it, “that’s the real punk rock.”
Contributed photo/Amazon prime video
