The Batman’s Ending Leaves More Questions Than Answers
Matt Reeves’ The Batman (2022) redefined Gotham as a rain-soaked city drowning in corruption and violence. The film follows a younger Bruce Wayne, still finding his identity beneath the cowl. But while the entire film is filled with mystery, the final twenty minutes take a deeper turn—leaving audiences divided and intrigued.
So what does the ending really mean?
Let’s break it down scene by scene.
The Riddler’s Final Move: Not the Endgame
After exposing the secrets of Gotham’s elite, the Riddler (Paul Dano) is finally caught and locked away in Arkham Asylum. But that’s not the end—he reveals that he planned for Gotham to be destroyed through a series of bombs rigged around the city’s seawall.
The flooding begins, and Gotham becomes a disaster zone.
But here’s the twist: the Riddler never intended to destroy the city’s infrastructure alone. He also inspired a network of online followers who carry out a mass shooting at Gotham Square Garden.
This move shifts the threat from one man’s ideology to an entire movement—echoing themes of modern radicalization.
Batman’s Transformation: From Vengeance to Symbol
As the chaos unfolds, Batman (Robert Pattinson) dives into the floodwaters and begins rescuing civilians trapped in the arena. One child clutches his arm. The people begin to follow him—not because they fear him, but because they trust him.
Throughout the film, Bruce defines himself as “Vengeance.” He brutalizes criminals and isolates himself from the world. But by the end, he realizes that fear isn’t enough. Gotham doesn’t need more violence. It needs hope.
This subtle but profound shift is captured visually in one of the film’s most poetic shots—Batman holding a flare and guiding people through darkness.
It’s the moment he stops being a lone vigilante and becomes a symbol of rebirth.
Catwoman’s Exit: Hope vs. Realism
Selina Kyle (Zoë Kravitz) invites Bruce to leave Gotham with her. She sees the city as broken beyond repair. Bruce refuses. Their parting scene, where they ride together on motorcycles before heading in opposite directions, is symbolic.
Selina represents the cynical reality of survival. Bruce represents the burden of hope. His refusal to leave shows commitment not just to the city—but to the person he believes he can become.
The Arkham Tease: Joker or Not?
In the film’s final Arkham scene, the Riddler finds comfort from an unseen inmate who laughs maniacally and makes cryptic references to clowns, chaos, and second chances.
While most viewers instantly recognized the Joker, director Matt Reeves later revealed in interviews that the character—played by Barry Keoghan—was never meant to be fully revealed. It’s not an origin tease, but rather a glimpse into Gotham’s endless cycle of villainy.
This scene isn’t promising a sequel, but reinforcing the film’s theme: Gotham’s rot can’t be killed—it only mutates.
What the Ending Says About Gotham Itself
The final moments show Gotham in ruins. Helicopters lift people to safety. Batman looks over the wreckage, knowing his fight is far from over.
But the biggest change isn’t the city—it’s him.
By choosing to stay, to help, and to protect even when the system fails, Bruce steps out of his trauma and begins to embody a new kind of heroism.
He’s no longer vengeance. He’s becoming hope.
Final Verdict
The Batman (2022) ends not with a victory, but a transformation. It’s an ending about personal growth, moral ambiguity, and the understanding that true change doesn’t come from violence—it comes from conviction.
What makes this ending work is that it doesn’t tie everything up. It leaves you questioning Gotham’s future, Batman’s legacy, and the nature of justice itself.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
An intelligent, atmospheric finish to one of the most grounded Batman stories ever put to screen.
#The Batman, Matt Reeves, Robert Pattinson, Gotham City, Batman ending, DC movies, Joker cameo, film analysis