The Batman (2022) is a superhero crime thriller directed by Matt Reeves and starring Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / Batman. Set during Batman’s second year as Gotham City’s masked vigilante, the movie follows Batman as he investigates a series of brutal murders committed by the Riddler and uncovers a web of corruption connecting Gotham’s powerful figures to his own family.
Unlike the earlier Batman movie continuities, The Batman introduces a new standalone version of Bruce Wayne and Gotham City, with a strong focus on Batman’s detective skills, corruption, organized crime and the mystery surrounding the Riddler.
Movie Details
| Movie Title | The Batman |
|---|---|
| Original Title | The Batman |
| Release Date | March 4, 2022 |
| Release Year | 2022 |
| Runtime | 176 minutes |
| Certificate / Age Rating | PG-13 |
| Status | Released |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Superhero |
| Director | Matt Reeves |
| Writers | Matt Reeves, Peter Craig |
| Producers | Dylan Clark, Matt Reeves |
| Production Company | Warner Bros. Pictures, DC Films, 6th & Idaho, Dylan Clark Productions |
| Distributor | Warner Bros. Pictures |
| Budget | Approximately $200 million |
| Box Office | $772.8 million worldwide |
Trailer
Cast
- Robert Pattinson as Bruce Wayne / The Batman
- Zoë Kravitz as Selina Kyle / Catwoman
- Jeffrey Wright as Lieutenant James Gordon
- Colin Farrell as Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot / The Penguin
- Paul Dano as Edward Nashton / The Riddler
- John Turturro as Carmine Falcone
- Andy Serkis as Alfred Pennyworth
- Peter Sarsgaard as District Attorney Gil Colson
- Barry Keoghan as the Unseen Arkham Prisoner
- Jayme Lawson as Bella Reál
- Gil Perez-Abraham as Officer Martinez
- Peter McDonald as Kenzie
- Con O’Neill as Chief Mackenzie Bock
- Alex Ferns as Commissioner Pete Savage
- Rupert Penry-Jones as Mayor Don Mitchell Jr.
- Kosha Engler as Mrs. Mitchell
- Archie Barnes as Mitchell’s Son
- Janine Harouni as Carla
- Hana Hrzic as Annika
- Joseph Walker as Young Edward Nashton
- Luke Roberts as Thomas Wayne
- Stella Stocker as Martha Wayne
- Oscar Novak as Young Bruce Wayne
- Sandra Dickinson as Dory
- Jack Bennett as Travis
- Andre Nightingale as Ritchie
- Richard James-Neale as Glen
- Lorraine Tai as Cheri
- Joseph Balderrama as Lead Detective
- Angela Yeoh as Forensic Photographer
- Max Carver as one of the Twins
- Charlie Carver as one of the Twins
- Jay Lycurgo as a member of the gang
- Gil Birmingham as a police officer
Story / Plot
The Batman takes place during Bruce Wayne’s second year as Batman. Gotham City is suffering from widespread corruption, organized crime and political unrest. Batman has become a feared figure among criminals, but he is still developing his identity and learning what kind of symbol he wants to become.
The story begins when Gotham’s mayor, Don Mitchell Jr., is brutally murdered inside his home. The killer leaves behind a mysterious message addressed to Batman. The killer soon becomes known as the Riddler.
The Riddler begins targeting powerful people in Gotham and leaves cryptic clues at each crime scene. Batman works with Lieutenant James Gordon to understand the clues and identify the killer.
The investigation leads Batman into Gotham’s criminal underworld. He encounters Oswald Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin, who operates the Iceberg Lounge. Batman also crosses paths with Selina Kyle, a thief who becomes closely involved in the investigation.
Selina is searching for her missing friend Annika. Her investigation leads her toward the criminal organization controlled by Carmine Falcone, one of Gotham’s most powerful crime figures.
As Batman follows the Riddler’s clues, he discovers that the murders are connected to a much larger conspiracy involving Gotham’s political leadership, the police and the city’s criminal underworld.
The investigation eventually leads Batman to the history of his own parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne. Bruce discovers that his family’s legacy is not as simple as he believed.
Thomas Wayne had attempted to protect his family after information about Martha Wayne’s mental-health history became a potential political scandal. He approached Carmine Falcone for help keeping the information from becoming public.
Batman initially believes his father may have been involved in Gotham’s corruption. However, Alfred explains that Thomas Wayne ultimately tried to stop Falcone and protect the family.
Meanwhile, the Riddler’s real plan becomes clearer. Edward Nashton grew up in the Wayne-funded orphanage system and developed a deep hatred for Gotham’s wealthy elite after feeling abandoned and forgotten.
Edward believes that Bruce Wayne is another privileged member of the corrupt system. He eventually reveals that his murders are part of a much larger plan to expose Gotham’s corruption and punish the people he considers responsible.
The investigation also reveals the secret history of Gotham’s renewal project. The project was supposed to provide money and support for Gotham’s poorest citizens, but corrupt criminals and officials exploited the system.
Riddler exposes the truth about the renewal funds and targets the people connected to the corruption. He also reveals information about Carmine Falcone and his influence over Gotham’s political and police systems.
Batman and Gordon eventually locate Riddler’s identity and arrest him. However, Batman realizes that arresting Edward does not mean the danger is over.
Ending Explained
After Batman discovers the Riddler’s identity, Edward Nashton is arrested and taken to Arkham State Hospital. Batman believes that stopping Riddler will prevent the destruction of Gotham.
However, Riddler has planned something much larger. He has positioned explosives around Gotham’s seawall. The explosions destroy sections of the city’s flood defenses, allowing enormous amounts of water to flood Gotham.
The city is thrown into chaos as people become trapped and emergency services struggle to respond.
Riddler’s followers then attempt to assassinate Bella Reál, the newly elected mayor, from a high position overlooking the flooded city.
Batman stops the attackers and saves Bella Reál. He then uses his equipment and physical strength to rescue people trapped by the flooding.
This is a major turning point for Batman. At the beginning of the movie, he describes himself primarily as vengeance. By the end, he realizes that simply frightening criminals is not enough.
When Batman helps the people of Gotham after the flood, he becomes a symbol of hope rather than simply a symbol of fear.
Meanwhile, Riddler remains imprisoned in Arkham. He meets another unidentified prisoner, played by Barry Keoghan. The two begin talking, strongly suggesting that the prisoner is the Joker.
The final conversation does not establish the Joker as the main villain of the movie. Instead, it hints at another dangerous character existing within this version of Gotham.
Batman and Catwoman also go their separate ways. Selina decides that Gotham may be beyond saving and leaves the city, while Batman chooses to stay and help rebuild it.
The ending therefore changes Batman’s purpose. He begins the movie believing that vengeance is the answer, but he finishes the story understanding that Gotham needs a symbol of hope.
Why Did the Riddler Target Bruce Wayne?
The Riddler’s hatred of Bruce Wayne is connected to the Wayne family’s history and Gotham’s corruption. Edward Nashton grew up in an orphanage supported by the Wayne family’s renewal program and believed that wealthy Gotham families had abandoned people like him.
Edward sees Bruce as another member of Gotham’s privileged elite. He does not initially understand that Bruce is secretly Batman.
Riddler’s investigation eventually brings him closer to Bruce Wayne’s family history and the corruption surrounding the renewal program.
What Happened to Thomas and Martha Wayne?
Bruce initially believes that his father may have been responsible for corruption surrounding the Wayne family. Alfred later explains that Thomas Wayne was trying to protect Martha and his family from information that could damage her reputation.
Thomas asked Carmine Falcone for help, but Falcone’s involvement created a dangerous connection between the Wayne family and Gotham’s criminal underworld.
Thomas eventually wanted Falcone to stay away from the situation, but Falcone had his own interests. Thomas and Martha were ultimately murdered before they could leave Gotham behind.
Why Did Batman Change at the End?
Batman begins the movie thinking that fear and vengeance are the best weapons against Gotham’s criminals. However, the Riddler’s actions force him to recognize that vengeance alone cannot save the city.
When Batman helps rescue civilians after the flood, he realizes that he can inspire people instead of simply frightening criminals. His role therefore begins changing from an instrument of vengeance into a symbol of hope.
Where to Watch The Batman (2022)
Legal availability varies by country and can change over time. Current India listings show The Batman streaming on Netflix and JioHotstar, with digital rental or purchase options through services including Amazon Video and Apple TV Store.
- Netflix – Official Homepage
- JioHotstar – Official Homepage
- Amazon Prime Video – Official Homepage
- Apple TV – Official Homepage
- Max – Official Homepage
- YouTube Movies – Official Movies Homepage
- JustWatch – Check Current Legal Availability by Country
Streaming, rental and purchase availability differs by territory. The links above lead to official legal platforms and not unauthorized streaming websites.
Franchise / Connections
| Franchise | The Batman / Matt Reeves Batman Universe |
|---|---|
| Prequel | None – this is a standalone reboot of Batman |
| Sequel | The Batman: Part II (upcoming) |
DC Universe Connection: The Batman is separate from the DC Extended Universe continuity featuring Ben Affleck’s Batman. It introduces a new version of Bruce Wayne and Gotham City created by Matt Reeves.
Future connection: Matt Reeves is developing The Batman: Part II, continuing Robert Pattinson’s version of Batman. DC has also described this Batman continuity as separate from the main connected DC Universe.
FAQs
What is The Batman (2022) about?
The Batman follows Bruce Wayne during his second year as Batman as he investigates a series of murders committed by the Riddler and uncovers corruption throughout Gotham City.
Who plays Batman in The Batman?
Robert Pattinson plays Bruce Wayne / Batman.
Who directed The Batman?
Matt Reeves directed The Batman.
Who plays Catwoman in The Batman?
Zoë Kravitz plays Selina Kyle / Catwoman.
Who plays the Riddler in The Batman?
Paul Dano plays Edward Nashton / the Riddler.
Who plays the Penguin in The Batman?
Colin Farrell plays Oswald “Oz” Cobblepot, also known as the Penguin.
Who plays Commissioner Gordon?
Jeffrey Wright plays Lieutenant James Gordon.
Who plays Alfred in The Batman?
Andy Serkis plays Alfred Pennyworth.
Who is the main villain in The Batman?
The primary villain is Edward Nashton, also known as the Riddler, played by Paul Dano.
Is the Penguin the main villain in The Batman?
No. The Penguin is an important criminal figure in Gotham, but the Riddler is the main antagonist driving the central mystery.
Who is the Riddler in The Batman?
The Riddler is Edward Nashton, a former orphan who becomes obsessed with exposing corruption among Gotham’s wealthy and powerful figures.
Why does the Riddler kill people?
The Riddler believes Gotham’s corrupt leaders are responsible for the city’s suffering. He targets people connected to the corruption as part of his plan to expose and punish them.
Why does the Riddler hate Bruce Wayne?
Edward Nashton grew up in the Gotham orphanage system and believed that the wealthy Wayne family had abandoned people like him. He sees Bruce as a symbol of Gotham’s privileged elite.
Does the Riddler know Bruce Wayne is Batman?
Yes. Near the end of the movie, the Riddler realizes that Bruce Wayne is Batman and attempts to connect his own actions to Bruce’s mission.
Does Batman reveal his identity in The Batman?
No. Batman’s identity as Bruce Wayne remains secret from the general public.
Is Bruce Wayne rich in The Batman?
Yes. Bruce Wayne remains the wealthy heir of Wayne Enterprises, although this version of Bruce spends much of his time isolated from Gotham’s social elite.
What happened to Bruce Wayne’s parents?
Thomas and Martha Wayne were murdered when Bruce was a child. The movie explores the complicated circumstances surrounding Thomas Wayne’s relationship with Carmine Falcone and Gotham’s corruption.
Was Thomas Wayne corrupt?
The movie initially raises questions about Thomas Wayne’s actions, but Alfred explains that Thomas was attempting to protect his family and ultimately wanted Falcone to stop interfering in the situation.
Who is Carmine Falcone?
Carmine Falcone, played by John Turturro, is one of Gotham’s most powerful crime bosses and has deep connections to the city’s political and criminal establishment.
Who is Bella Reál?
Bella Reál, played by Jayme Lawson, is a mayoral candidate who campaigns against Gotham’s corruption. She becomes an important target during the Riddler’s final attack.
What happens to Gotham City at the end?
The Riddler’s explosives destroy sections of Gotham’s seawall, causing massive flooding. Batman then helps rescue civilians and begins acting as a symbol of hope for the city.
Does Batman save Gotham?
Batman stops the Riddler’s followers from killing Bella Reál and helps rescue people trapped by the flooding. However, Gotham remains heavily damaged and needs to rebuild.
Why does Batman call himself vengeance?
At the beginning of the movie, Batman believes fear and vengeance are his primary tools against criminals. His experiences with the Riddler eventually make him realize that Gotham needs hope as well as justice.
What does the ending of The Batman mean?
The ending shows Batman beginning to transform from a symbol of vengeance into a symbol of hope. He realizes that protecting Gotham’s people is more important than simply frightening criminals.
Is the Joker in The Batman?
Yes. An unidentified prisoner in Arkham, played by Barry Keoghan, is strongly implied to be the Joker. The movie deliberately keeps the character mostly hidden.
Who plays the Joker in The Batman?
Barry Keoghan plays the unidentified Arkham prisoner who is revealed to be the Joker.
Does The Batman have a post-credit scene?
The movie does not have a traditional post-credit scene. However, it includes a brief final tease involving the Riddler’s interaction with the mysterious Arkham prisoner.
Does Catwoman leave Gotham?
Yes. Selina decides that Gotham may not be worth saving and leaves the city, while Batman chooses to remain and help its people.
Do Batman and Catwoman end up together?
No. Batman and Catwoman develop a close relationship, but they ultimately go separate ways at the end of the movie.
Is The Batman part of the DCEU?
No. The Batman is not part of the DCEU continuity featuring Ben Affleck’s Batman. It establishes a separate Batman universe.
Is The Batman connected to Justice League?
No. Robert Pattinson’s Batman exists in a separate continuity from the Batman portrayed by Ben Affleck in Justice League.
Is The Batman a reboot?
Yes. The Batman is a new interpretation of Batman that starts a separate continuity centered on Robert Pattinson’s Bruce Wayne.
Is The Batman an origin story?
No. The movie does not retell Bruce Wayne’s transformation into Batman. It takes place during his second year as a crimefighter.
How long is The Batman?
The Batman has a runtime of 176 minutes, or 2 hours and 56 minutes.
When was The Batman released?
The Batman was released in the United States on March 4, 2022, following international releases beginning March 1.
What is the age rating of The Batman?
The Batman is rated PG-13 in the United States for strong violent and disturbing content, drug content, strong language and some suggestive material.
Is The Batman based on DC Comics?
Yes. The movie is based on the DC Comics character Batman, created by Bob Kane with Bill Finger.
Is The Batman based on Batman: Year One?
The movie is not a direct adaptation of Batman: Year One, but Matt Reeves has cited Batman stories including Year One, The Long Halloween and Ego among the influences on this version of Batman.
Is The Batman a detective movie?
Yes. The movie places strong emphasis on Batman’s detective work as he follows clues, investigates murders and uncovers Gotham’s corruption.
Where can I watch The Batman online?
Legal availability depends on your country. Current India listings show The Batman streaming on Netflix and JioHotstar, with digital rental or purchase options through services including Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. Check JustWatch for the latest availability in your territory.
Is The Batman on Netflix?
Yes. Current India listings show The Batman available to stream on Netflix, although streaming availability can change by territory and over time.
Is The Batman on JioHotstar?
Yes. Current India listings show The Batman available to stream on JioHotstar.
Is The Batman on Amazon Prime Video?
Availability depends on territory. Current India listings show a digital rental option through Amazon Video.
Is The Batman on Apple TV?
Yes. The Batman is available through the Apple TV Store for digital purchase or rental, depending on the territory.
Is The Batman worth watching?
If you enjoy dark superhero movies, detective mysteries, crime thrillers and Batman stories focused on Gotham’s criminal underworld and corruption, The Batman offers a grounded and detective-focused interpretation of the character.
Leave a Reply