THE BATMAN (2022)

In his second year of fighting crime, Batman (Robert Pattinson) uncovers corruption in Gotham City that connects to his own family while facing a serial killer known as the Riddler (Paul Danno).

THE BATMAN is a very, very dark movie thematically and cinematographically. It’s the best Batman movie ever made.

THE BATMAN is more “realistic”, more grounded, more raw than previous films. Batman’s/Bruce Wayne’s inner tensions and turmoil are explored. The story is more about Batman’s psychology than the romanticised heroic crime fighting of past movies. The action and crime fighting scenes are exciting and riveting. But even during those moments, we see Batman from a more flawed human perspective. There is a complexity to this story that is a welcome change. What’s so good is that it doesn’t feel like a typical superhero movie. Batman is more of a detective in this one and there are some worthy twists and genuinely nail-biting at times.

The cinematography is superb. Dark, foreboding, oppressive, reflecting the moral darkness that has overtaken Gotham that manifests itself in the weather, the buildings, the people.

Robert Pattinson, as Batman, is excellent, bringing a troubled humanity to the character we haven’t seen before. Paul Dano makes a wonderful Riddler — a truly nasty criminal. And Zoe Kravitz, as Cat Woman (although she’s not called that in this episode) brings a riveting sensuality to the role. The whole cast does an excellent job with a complex script that gives them plenty to “play” with. The acting is top notch in THE BATMAN.

THE BATMAN is a little long at 2h 55m but the complex, slow-burn plot is well worth sitting through. This movie is deadly serious with almost no humour. THE BATMAN is an adult movie in the true sense of the word. It’s violence and mature themes are not for kids (I’d recommend 15+). This fresh interpretation has been well worth the wait and let’s hope the planned two sequels and spinoff TV series maintain this fresh new standard. Make sure you see THE BATMAN on the big screen at a cinema near you!

(In cinemas in Australia – check your movie guide for your local show times.)