The Batman

Total Score: 92/100

January 2, 2025

So, we just binged The Batman – and wow, this one really leans into the dark, gritty side of Gotham The Batman takes a detective-first approach to the caped crusader, delivering a moody, grounded crime thriller. The story unfolds as Batman, still early in his vigilante career, chases down clues left behind by a sadistic serial killer, The Riddler. Gotham feels like it’s rotting from the inside out, and this version of Bruce Wayne is more broken, more obsessed, and less polished than we’ve seen before. The film carries this heavy, oppressive tone that sticks with you long after the credits roll. It’s less about gadgets and flashy fights, and more about unraveling a conspiracy that feels disturbingly close to reality. Every scene lingers just a bit longer than you expect, soaking you in Gotham’s corruption. This isn’t a Batman who’s got it all figured out – he’s raw, angry, and constantly teetering between justice and vengeance.

Plot Score: 9/10

The plot is intricate, weaving together noir-inspired detective work with classic superhero action. Batman isn’t just punching his way through problems; he’s solving riddles, chasing leads, and getting pulled deeper into Gotham’s corruption. The story unfolds slowly, but in a way that feels deliberate. It’s more of a crime epic than a superhero flick, and the pacing reflects that. While the mystery itself is engaging, what really stands out is how personal the case feels to Bruce. The film dives into his family’s dark past, tying his legacy directly into the larger narrative. Some threads get a little convoluted, but the payoff is solid, and the twists hit hard.

Characters Score: 10/10

Batman feels like a character straight out of a psychological drama. He’s vulnerable, haunted, and emotionally frayed, which adds so much depth to his interactions. His version of Bruce Wayne is almost unrecognizable – reclusive and emotionally distant, barely keeping it together. The Riddler, on the other hand, is terrifying in his unpredictability. He’s not the campy villain from past iterations – this guy feels like something out of Zodiac or Se7en. The supporting cast, from Catwoman to Commissioner Gordon, all bring layers to the story. Every character feels like they belong in this bleak version of Gotham.

Visuals Score: 10/10

Gotham has never looked this good – or this grim. The city feels alive but decaying, drenched in rain and shadows. Cinematography is stunning, with every frame looking like a painting pulled straight from the pages of a comic book. The use of darkness and color is striking, and the way the film plays with light makes Gotham feel like a character itself. The visual style leans heavily into noir, and it’s honestly one of the best portrayals of the city in any Batman adaptation. The action scenes are gritty, and the camera work makes sure you feel every punch.

Pacing Score: 8/10

The film takes its time – sometimes too much time. It’s almost three hours long, and while it rarely drags, the deliberate pacing can feel heavy. Some scenes could’ve been trimmed without losing the overall atmosphere. But at the same time, the slower moments let the tension build naturally. It’s a trade-off – if you’re into slow-burn detective stories, this hits the mark. If you’re expecting non-stop action, the pacing might test your patience.

Dialogue Score: 9/10

Dialogue is sharp, minimal, and tense. There’s not a lot of wasted words. Batman doesn’t monologue; he broods and lets his actions speak. Conversations between him and Gordon feel like two detectives trying to survive the worst shift of their lives. Catwoman’s dialogue adds emotional weight and vulnerability, while The Riddler’s cryptic messages are as unsettling as they are clever. It’s less quippy than other superhero movies, which fits the tone perfectly.

Music Score: 10/10

The score is phenomenal. It’s heavy, brooding, and relentless – much like Batman himself. There’s this constant, almost overwhelming theme that follows him throughout the movie, and it just adds so much weight to the scenes. The main theme sticks in your head, and every orchestral hit feels like it drives the story forward. It’s not flashy, but it perfectly captures the film’s mood.

Emotional Influence Score: 9/10

This film hits emotionally in ways most Batman stories don’t. It’s not just about physical stakes – it’s about Batman questioning if he’s really making a difference. The emotional weight builds slowly, hitting hard in the final act. There’s a sense of hope buried under all the darkness, but it feels earned, not forced. Certain scenes linger, making you feel the weight of Gotham’s corruption. The personal stakes for Bruce add another layer, and by the end, it’s not just a superhero story – it’s a character study.

Direction Score: 10/10

The direction is laser-focused. The entire movie feels like a passion project, with a clear vision behind every shot. The tone, visuals, and performances all align perfectly. It’s clear the director wanted to tell a different kind of Batman story – one that’s less about spectacle and more about character. Every choice, from the way Gotham looks to the long, lingering shots of Batman brooding, feels intentional. It’s one of the most distinct takes on the character we’ve seen in years.

Bingeability Score: 8/10

This isn’t a casual rewatch. It’s heavy, long, and emotionally draining. But it’s the kind of film that sticks with you, and revisiting it feels rewarding – especially to pick up on subtle details you might’ve missed the first time.

Overall Enjoyment Score: 9/10

This film hits emotionally in ways most Batman stories don’t. It’s not just about physical stakes – it’s about Batman questioning if he’s really making a difference. The emotional weight builds slowly, hitting hard in the final act. There’s a sense of hope buried under all the darkness, but it feels earned, not forced. Certain scenes linger, making you feel the weight of Gotham’s corruption. The personal stakes for Bruce add another layer, and by the end, it’s not just a superhero story – it’s a character study.