The Batman (2022) stuns viewers, makes them consider their values
The Batman (2022) is a superhero film based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Directed by Matt Reeves, it is a reboot of the Batman franchise across the various shared universes. It reportedly took 18 months to shoot, with progress being slowed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The film follows Bruce Wayne (Robert Pattinson) as he tries to uncover the sadistic serial killer behind the recent various assassinations of political figures in Gotham and the corruption in Gotham City that the Wayne family could have been involved with. Fighting alongside Batman are Catwoman (Zoë Kravitz), Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), and Alfred (Andy Serkis). Committing the killings is the Riddler (Paul Dano).
Batman begins to investigate the killing of Gotham City mayor Don Mitchell Jr., who was murdered by the Riddler. Throughout Batman’s investigation, the Riddler also kills Commissioner Pete Savage and District Attorney Gil Colson. These killings lead Batman to nightclubs, drug deals, and even an orphanage funded by Batman’s parents.
Towards the end, the film wraps up with a huge plot twist in which grudges are discovered, criminals are exposed, and even huge catastrophes occur in Gotham City. The ending montage of the film shows the aftermath of the events that just occurred in Gotham City and a departing character as well as a mysterious new one.
Unlike most others, I only just saw this film for the first time in September of 2024. An ARHS alumni invited me to his house along with some of my other friends to watch it. We gathered around his giant Samsung TV, popcorn buckets and drinks in hand, and watched in awe.
I thought that the cinematography and soundtrack of the film were excellent. I especially appreciated the car chase scene between Batman and The Penguin (Colin Farrell), as the visuals and sound effects were top-notch. The Batmobile also looks and sounds better than it ever has.
What really blew me away about the film was Gotham City. Matt Reeves perfectly captured the essence of what a modern-day Gotham City would look like in 2022. At night, the streets are dark and dim, with streetlights and car lights being the only source of light, and criminals scouring the alleyways looking for their next victim. However, the nearby nightclubs are alive and vibrant, with warm colors bouncing around the rooms. In the daytime, Gotham City is transformed into a bustling metropolis, with thousands of people going about their day, including the Gotham City Police Department.
If you’re looking for a film that’s only focused on extravagant superheroes, then don’t watch this one. The Batman (2022) is a film about a superhero, but Matt Reeves presents him in a far grittier, realistic, and personal version than in past films. Likewise, Gotham City is presented in a more realistic adaptation. Some people might argue that over-the-top superheroes are what make superhero films entertaining, but I’d argue that this version of Batman holds substantial weight, as Batman is forced to question his identity and past, which similarly makes us question what beliefs we value.
In terms of the actors, I thought that Robert Pattinson and Zoë Kravitz were the highlights. The dynamic between Batman and Catwoman is always interesting to look at, and I thought that both actors did a great job, either when they were being filmed together or separately. Kravitz compliments Pattinson’s acting very well, and they both feel natural within the film.
The only criticism I have about this film is the runtime of almost 3 hours (2 hours 56 minutes). However, I don’t think that it affects the film too strongly. The Batman (2022) won’t leave you with boring, insubstantial moments that don’t add anything to the story. Every scene is important to the plot. Some scenes even foreshadow who the Riddler is and what he plans on doing to the city of Gotham.
All in all, I would recommend this film to anyone who has the time to watch it in full. I would rate it a strong 9/10.
“Our scars can destroy us, even after the physical wounds have healed. But if we survive them, they can transform us. They can give us the power to endure, and the strength to fight” -Batman.
