8 Things The Batman Sequels Need To Succeed 

Andy Serkis is brilliant as Alfred, so it is a tragedy that we did not see much of him in Matt Reeves' The Batman. After Alfred wakes up in the hospital and Bruce Wayne admits he is afraid to lose him, he exits the movie. The problem is, his exit blocked us from scenes of growth for Bruce Wayne. Throughout the movie, Bruce's life outside the cape remains abstract.

If Bruce Wayne’s arc is the realization that he cares for Alfred, we should have had scenes where he values his opinions in contrast to the start of the film where he didn’t. It is jarring to know that Alfred wants Bruce to be less obsessive as Batman only for the movie to continue with a Batman that is still the same overly obsessed vigilante with no sense he will have a life without the cape. All the movie needed to fix this is a scene where they compromise or have an epilogue where Alfred is happy to see Bruce doing more for the Wayne name.

As his only confidant and only loved one, why wouldn’t Bruce search for his advice? If Bruce is going to do more to honor the Wayne name in the sequels, it would be ideal for Alfred to be there for Bruce as he tries hard to fix his social etiquettes that contrast his reclusive self. Have scenes like Alfred giving Bruce tips on what to say, how to dress, and how to remain eye contact.