The Batman (2022): A Dark Detective Story for Spooky Season

The Batman (2022) takes Batman back to his detective roots, but its story of Gotham’s corruption and the Riddler’s growing influence may be what makes the film feel especially unsettling today. Steven and Régine revisit Matt Reeves’ take on the Dark Knight with guest Veronica, who already loves the film, while Régine comes to it as a first-time viewer.

Spoilers ahead for The Batman (2022). The conversation explores what separates Robert Pattinson’s Batman from other cinematic versions of the character.

Régine is surprised by how much she enjoys the movie despite not usually gravitating toward superhero films, particularly because the mystery and investigation feel central to the story. Veronica explains why it took a second viewing for the film to fully click for her, and why its world feels established without needing to retell Batman’s origin.

The group gets into the film’s atmosphere, sound design, visual storytelling, Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman, the Batmobile chase, and some of its most memorable sequences. They also look at Bruce Wayne and the Riddler as reflections of each other: two intelligent, damaged people shaped by Gotham’s corruption who take very different approaches to fighting it.

The Riddler’s ability to manipulate Batman and attract followers sparks a wider conversation about grievance, online communities, and how easily a personal story can become a rallying point for something more dangerous. The Halloween question gets a clear answer from all three: The Batman belongs on a spooky-season watchlist.

Its dark visuals, serial-killer mystery, unsettling themes, and rain-soaked Gotham give it a seasonal appeal even without making it a conventional horror movie. The episode also considers whether the nearly three-hour film holds up on a rewatch, how Matt Reeves’ approach compares with the MCU, and whether the long wait for the sequel will raise audience expectations.

Steven, Régine, and Veronica finish by sharing their Remote Ratings. In this episode: Robert Pattinson’s Batman as a detective rather than just a superhero Gotham’s corruption and the Riddler’s growing influence Bruce Wayne and the Riddler as two sides of the same coin The film’s sound design, cinematography, atmosphere, and standout action sequences Zoë Kravitz’s Catwoman and the film’s supporting performances How The Batman compares with the Marvel Cinematic Universe Whether The Batman belongs on a Halloween watchlist Rewatch value, the sequel wait, and final Remote Ratings Veronica also shares that she plans to take on new social media clients in 2027.

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