The Batman is unlike any other superhero movie that has come before. While there are many interpretations of the character throughout cinema and television history, director Matt Reeves shows that there are both new ways to frame Batman and also interesting films to be made that just so happen to also be Batman movies.

The Batman draws a lot of inspiration from hard boiled detective films and comic book storylines that are steeped in film noir. Where many Batman films tend to evenly split screen time between Batman and his alter ego Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson), The Batman relishes the opportunity to show the World’s Greatest Detective at work. From casing crime scenes to consulting with Gotham City Police Officer Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), Batman works the case as he would in a graphic novel. At the same time, there are plenty of action sequences and blockbuster set pieces to punctuate Batman's own process of information-gathering.

Like any good hard boiled detective story, The Batman begins with a high profile murder. Batman is allowed at the crime scene because a note is left specifically for him. Within that note is a riddle, left by none other than The Riddler (Paul Dano) but whose solution only sends Batman deeper into a web of corruption, lies, and deceit.

robert pattinson the batman Cropped

The Batman’s script feels a bit bloated at times and meanders towards the latter half, but overall the procedural nature of the film helps it stay focused. The film rarely stops to ensure the audience is following closely, but comic book fans should expect a mystery with significant implications. Batman is both searching for The Riddler and also helping The Riddler uncover something bigger.

Within that story, Batman becomes a dynamic character who is emotionless on the surface, but is starting to question his goals after two years. Through narration, Batman paints Gotham as a city that is broken and whose criminals only respond to fear. However, his presence has not deterred crime or even made a dent on the city. He's a bit disillusioned with his roll, but The Riddler gives him something to focus on.

Bruce Wayne, when we do see him, is an afterthought to himself, with all focus and dedication put towards being Batman. He's a man of few words, with the bulk of them coming when he's solving off-duty puzzles with Alfred (Andy Serkis). Bringing emotion to a scene as Batman is a tall task for Pattinson, but he offers a terrific interpretation of the character. Even with just his eyes, Pattinson can convey the obsessiveness and the vulnerability of Batman.

The Batman cast is packed with exceptional actors who give their all to roles big and small. Jeffrey Wright’s Jim Gordon feels like the most fleshed-out version of the character put to film, and he feels just as integral to the crime-solving as Batman. In a way, Gordon is like the Watson to Batman's Sherlock.

the batman movie review

Zoe Kravitz brings Selina Kyle/Catwoman to life by highlighting the morally gray characters in Gotham. She's a lot like the film's femme fatale, only with an impressive fighting prowess. And her chemistry with Pattinson is unmistakable.

Truly, from top to bottom, The Batman is well written and well acted. Colin Farrell’s Penguin makes sense in this world as a crime boss, but the film takes care to include small nods to the character’s more outlandish roots. The Riddler feels ripped right out of David Fincher’s Seven – he’s the type of Batman villain that very easily could have tipped the film to Rated R.

Action in The Batman has a visceral quality to it that drops the highly choreographed fight sequences and trades them for brutal hand-to-hand fights that oftentimes see Batman taking a punishment. The Batman never makes the character seem superhuman, which makes for some truly compelling sequences.

The Batmobile

Stylistically, Matt Reeves gives The Batman a flavor all its own. Where big-budget blockbusters like this tend to offer sweeping establishing shots and birds-eye view action sequences, The Batman puts the camera right into the action, occasionally even strapping the camera directly to an actor. Much like the story is totally new for a Batman movie, the cinematography brings a new flavor to the character.

The Batman delivers a bold new take on the character that is entrancing. It puts Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne into the background and allows Batman to exist as a hardboiled detective working a case outside the law. As a result, Matt Reeves is able to explore the crime-solving qualities that are typically overshadowed in other films.

And while the story and performances are what anchor The Batman, its action is plenty exciting and creative. The Batmobile is simpler in its design but will become a much-talked-about version after a key sequence. And the willingness not to make Batman feel superhuman (just well-trained and clever) helps paint a new portrait of the dark knight. It may not be the best interpretation, but this feels like the most complete and original take on The Batman.

The Batman releases in theaters March 4, 2022.