Movie Review: ‘The Batman’ – a bold and brave adaptation

In 2008, the biggest movie of the year was unquestionably The Dark Knight. It was the second cinematic face-off of the icons of Batman and Joker, but the same year saw the emergence of a sparkling star. Robert Pattinson became an overnight sensation, yet, at the time, Batman was the furthest role from anyone's mind for the teen heartthrob. Now, two Batmans and three Jokers later, he takes up the mantle of Batman for a new decade.

With so many character adaptations, it's easy to think of Batman as done to death. How many times must audiences endure the deaths of Thomas and Martha Wayne, watching as the pearls rain down on Crime Alley. Thankfully, The Batman seems aware of all the things you have seen and sees fit to show you all the things you haven't.

Believe it or not, you've never seen Batman quite like this. Gone is the façade of Bruce Wayne, and all that remains is a broken husk of a man, obsessed with a mission even he is losing faith in. The Batman sees the dark knight doubting the effectiveness of his methods, especially given the new breed of criminal in Gotham City with Paul Dano's Riddler. Not to mention Zoe Kravitz's Selina Kyle, stylishly jumping off of rooftops with the meagre protection of a leather suit.

The movie is bleak and unforgiving, casting a shroud of hopelessness throughout the whole affair. The Riddler is the most terrifying villain in a Batman film, with his very presence making you feel unsettled. The film is grounded and teeters right on the edge of its PG-13 rating, but features the kind of disturbing violence you'd see in a David Fincher movie. All of that might not sound like a fun time at the cinema, but The Batman is a rewarding experience that shows the heights that superheroes can achieve when taken seriously.

At three hours, The Batman is a long slow burn, with a rich story made impactful by incredible cinematography, brutal action, and a cast that's firing on all cylinders. On top of that, it's refreshing to be able to enjoy a superhero film without the burden of continuity. The Batman gets to be what it is without concerns for how it affects a wider universe. As a result, actions have consequences, and the stakes feel that much higher.

Rating: Big Screen Watch

Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.