The Batman

From a family history of philanthropy, Bruce Wayne appears to the outside world to be doing nothing – just another of Gotham’s richest, content to hoard their money, make profit and let the world rot. His faithful lifelong butler, Alfred (Andy Serkis – Lord of the Rings) is the only one that knows his secret - he’s devoting vast amounts of his time, energy and resources into patrolling the streets of Gotham by night, singlehandedly pulverising muggers, and other petty criminals.

Things change when a new serial killer calling himself The Riddler (Paul Dano – There Will Be Blood) comes to town. Targeting high profile figures, he leaves bodies in his wake, along with perplexing notes addressed to "The Batman" that hint at Wayne family secrets. The only one he can trust is the only honest cop in a town corrupt from the top down to the bottom, Jim Gordon (Jeffrey Wright – No Time To Die). Batman is drawn to cocktail waitress turned cat burglar, Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz – Into the Spiderverse) whose past traumas mirror his own. However, the timing is just a little too convenient for him to trust her…

This is a more sombre and atmospheric depiction than those from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and a more vulnerable Batman. At turns detached and disillusioned, followed by uncontrollable rage, he’s both crippled and compelled by his unresolved trauma - and gripping to watch. Kravitz’s Catwoman is more than a match for him – emotionally and physically, and Pattinson and Kravitz have undeniable chemistry. A refreshing new take on Batman, and definitely one to watch.

Natalie Tyldesley-Marshall