Let’s start with this: Batman movies do not move me. I found the Dark Knight trilogy ponderous and absurd (big surprise – Christopher Nolan again). Ben Affleck was a bland choice for the Snyder-verse Batman. Even the old ones from the 1990s with Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, and George Clooney are pulpy and forgettable.

So, when a new Batman movie came along, with the daring addition of a “the” in front of the title, I ignored it.

Then I saw all the positive reviews. Still ignored it.

Then I noticed that Robert Pattison and Zoe Kravitz were the leads, which is a weird choice. Nah, do not care.

Then I heard the soundtrack with its soaring and melancholy Michael Giacchino melodies. Okay! Fine, I will watch it.

Whoa.

This is not the Dark Knight, this is the Goth Knight. This is the Batman in black jeans smoking Cloves and listening to Bauhaus.  This Batman dials the gothic, film noir mood 111. Robert Pattison and Zoe Kravitz are an ookie blend of glum and insane. They are messed up people with blurry motivations and obsessive tendencies. The fights are wince inducing slug-fests. Paul Dano’s Riddler is a creepy, Ted Kasinsky style lunatic with an alluringly populous message. The new Batmobile is a growling, glowing, Mad Max style muscle car with supernatural suspension. The car plays a central role in a spectacularly intense chase at the halfway point.

Despite a massive franchise baggage, The Batman succeeds. It is surprising triumph of tone, style, and solid acting.

Nobody on earth would have picked Pattison and Kravitz for the main roles…except Director Matt Reeves. Reeves’ gutsy hiring decision pays off. Pattison is more like Travis Bickle than a suave titan of industry. His batcave is dilapidated, his tech clunky, and his butler is a gruff, no-bullshit Andy Serkis, in an equally inspired hiring decision. Kravitz is sharp and unflappable. She and steals every moment she is on screen, often leaving the brooding Batman speechless.

Another bold move was injecting the story with a strong social message. Most Superhero movies only barely touch anything resembling a genuine social issue, for fear of alienating the seething masses. The Batman takes on superhero worship and class disparity with a sledgehammer. To make this even weirder, Reeves hands his most potent message to the villain. Sure, the Riddler is a murderous lunatic, but he kind of makes a good point: why should we all care about one sad rich kid, when so many people are hurting?

Yeah! Screw that Bruce Wayne guy! Oh wait, he is the protagonist of the movie. Whoa, I see what you did there, Matt. Well played.

I never thought I would be gushing about a Batman movie. Or a movie with Robert Pattison. Or a movie that is so fricking dark, wet, and grimy with a potent social message about class struggle. Here I am, gushing. It is a hell of a ride.

The movie has some problems. It is freakishly too long and some of the dialogue is cheesy. However, these are forgivable sins. The payoff is satisfying and feels like there is much more to tell.

Note: James Gunn apparently liked it too, as Reeves Batman is officially in the New DCU.