The Batman

The Batman

Year: 2022

Runtime: 176 min

Language: English

Director: Matt Reeves

ActionSci-FiDramaMysteryCrime

Haunted by the loss of his parents, Bruce Wayne wages a war on crime as a masked vigilante. In Gotham City, a mysterious killer leaves a trail of cryptic clues for the Batman, plunging him into a dark underworld of corruption. As he investigates, he forges unexpected alliances and confronts the darkest aspects of human nature, all while attempting to stop a calculated reign of terror threatening the city.

Warning: spoilers below!

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The Batman (2022) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of The Batman (2022), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

On Halloween night, Gotham City finds itself in shock as Mayor Don Mitchell Jr. is brutally murdered by a serial killer calling himself The Riddler. For two years, billionaire Bruce Wayne has donned the cape as the vigilante known as Batman, and he teams up with the Gotham City Police Department (GCPD) to unravel this chilling case. During the investigation, Lt. James Gordon (Jeffrey Wright) uncovers a cryptic message left for Batman, but he’s quickly reprimanded by Commissioner Pete Savage for allowing a vigilante onto the crime scene, which leads to Batman’s forced departure. Tragically, the Riddler strikes again, eliminating Savage and leaving further clues behind.

As the plot thickens, Batman discovers a thumb drive hidden in the Mayor’s car, containing incriminating images of him with a woman named Annika. This leads Batman to the Iceberg Lounge, a swanky nightclub run by mobster Carmine Falcone’s lieutenant, Oz, The Penguin. Upon interrogating the Penguin, who claims ignorance, Batman learns that Annika’s roommate, Selina Kyle, played by Zoë Kravitz, is a waitress at the lounge. Things take a dark turn when Annika goes missing, prompting Batman to send Selina back to investigate further. Her findings reveal that Savage was on Falcone’s payroll, along with District Attorney Gil Colson.

In a heart-stopping twist, the Riddler abducts Colson, attaching a bomb to him and forcing him to solve three riddles during Mayor Mitchell’s funeral. Batman arrives just in time but, despite helping with the first two riddles, Colson faces a chilling third challenge concerning the informant involved in dismantling mobster Sal Maroni’s operations. When Colson opts not to answer, tragedy strikes as the bomb detonates, resulting in his death and leaving Batman reeling from the blow.

The investigation then leads Batman and Gordon to a former orphanage tied to Bruce’s parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne. They realize the Riddler harbors a deep vendetta against the Wayne family. Meanwhile, as shocking secrets come to light, including potential collusion between Thomas Wayne and Falcone, Bruce confronts his butler Alfred regarding the truth, only to find that Thomas had plans to bring Falcone to justice, which may have ultimately led to their demise.

In a gripping confrontation, Selina reveals that Falcone is her estranged father. Learning that Annika was killed due to her own actions at Mitchell’s funeral does not sit well with her, leading to a pact for revenge. However, Batman intervenes just in time to stop Selina from murdering her father, arguing that such an act would ruin her future. Instead, he turns Falcone over to the police, but fate throws a wrench into their plans when the Riddler assassinates Falcone from a distance.

As the Riddler, now revealed to be Edward Nashton, is captured and imprisoned in Arkham State Hospital, he expresses envy towards Batman for the support he received after his parents’ tragedy and proposes a twisted alliance. But Batman, disgusted by Nashton’s vicious methods, rejects him, leading to a furious outburst from Nashton. In his vengeful state, he gives Batman a vital clue about his final plan, suggesting an assassination plot targeting mayor-elect Bella Reál.

Realizing he must act swiftly, Batman discovers hidden maps in Nashton’s apartment, revealing a series of bombs planted around Gotham. The chaos unfolds as the Riddler’s followers attack Bella Reál, leaving citizens in peril as Gotham begins to flood. Though Batman and Selina fight valiantly against the chaos and their foes, they narrowly avoid disaster. In a climactic showdown, with lives hanging by a thread, Batman finds himself at a moment of reckoning.

After overcoming numerous barriers, Batman smashes through adversity, lighting a flare to lead survivors to safety. As he aids in recovery efforts, he learns that his brand of fear has only empowered greater darkness, prompting him to inspire hope instead. In the end, while Selina contemplates leaving Gotham behind altogether, Selina Kyle offers Batman one last chance to escape together, but he ultimately declines her offer. Their paths diverge, and they part ways, a poignant image captured in the glow of the setting sun.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 16:52

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of The Batman?

Still wondering what the ending of The Batman (2022) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

While Batman manages to foil the Riddler’s plan and prevent widespread destruction, the story ends on a complex note that reveals the depth of Bruce Wayne’s journey. After the chaos at Gotham Square Garden, where the bombs explode and floods engulf the city, Batman helps save lives and takes part in the recovery efforts, symbolizing a shift from his solitary crusade of vengeance to a more hopeful role as a protector of Gotham. Meanwhile, Selina Kyle decides to leave the city for a new adventure upstate, and Bruce, reflecting on his true purpose, chooses to stay and serve Gotham rather than seek personal vengeance or dwell on his past. His narration throughout the film hints at this transformation — he’s finally beginning to find peace and meaning in his role as Gotham’s Guardian.

At Arkham, the Riddler—who is revealed to be Edward Nashton—continues to chuckle hysterically, hinting that his chaos isn’t truly over. His final words and the conversation with another inmate suggest that he remains a dangerous figure, possibly planning more mischief in the shadows. The ending underscores that while Batman has started to grow into a symbol of hope, the threat of chaos and darkness still lingers, reminding viewers that Gotham’s fight against crime and inner demons is ongoing.

Overall, the film concludes with Batman embracing his identity not just as a vengeful vigilante, but as someone committed to protecting and inspiring Gotham. The scenes of him actively participating in relief work and narrating his newfound purpose highlight his evolution from loneliness and obsession to a more balanced, hopeful guardian—one who understands that true strength lies in hope, resilience, and the city’s future. This ending leaves a sense of cautious optimism, hinting that Gotham, with its scars and struggles, can still be saved as long as Batman remains committed to its well-being.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57

Unlock the Full Story of The Batman

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Batman in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Batman is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Batman Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Batman with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Batman Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Batman

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Batman. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Batman

The Batman Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of The Batman? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

The Batman Ending Explained

More About The Batman

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Batman: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Batman