Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is currently streaming in Australia on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and in the US on HBO Max Amazon Channel and YouTube TV, and it earns its premise rather than just borrowing genre trappings. The runtime earns every minute, with nothing here that feels like padding. 19,119 people have weighed in on TMDB, and the verdict leans heavily positive. Watch it for Ben Affleck — the performance elevates material that could easily tip into self-seriousness. Put it on tonight on Netflix and see for yourself.

Part of the current wave of titles people are actually watching, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice earns its spot. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice uses its genre premise as cover for asking bigger questions. Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before. Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill lead a cast that makes the ambitious moments land. It hit screens in 2016. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice resists the temptation to explain everything, trusting the audience to sit with ambiguity. There is real craft here, even in the moments that do not fully land.

For late-night viewing or a proper weekend binge, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice fits the bill. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Ben Affleck's performance is the anchor the more ambitious moments need. The world-building pays off in ways you will not anticipate on a first watch.