Warning: This post contains spoilers for The Batman.
The Batman uses Alfred better than every other Dark Knight movie. Directed by Matt Reeves from a screenplay by him and Peter Craig, the latest DC film explores the Caped Crusader in a way that has yet to be rendered in live-action, delving deeper into his early career as a vigilante through the lens of a crime mystery.
Alfred Pennyworth is one of the most recognized characters in Batman’s mythos. As the vigilante’s trusted butler, mentor, and father-figure, Alfred is always by Bruce Wayne’s side, coaxing, supporting, and guiding him through his trials and tribulations. In previous Batman movies, like Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy and Joel Schumacher’s Batman & Robin, Alfred was very much treated as the emotional support for Bruce Wayne/Batman. He was always there when he needed advice or to be the voice of reason, encouraging him when the moment called for it.
However, while Alfred has a limited role in Reeves’ The Batman, it utilizes the character in more meaningful and insightful ways. Andy Serkis’ Alfred has a firm voice; he doesn’t coddle Bruce even though he still helps him because he cares. He’s more than the keeper of Wayne Manor, challenging Batman in more ways than one, including about his past and the way in which he ignores the Wayne family legacy to hide out in the Batcave. Alfred is kind and he cares for Bruce, but he doesn’t stroke his ego either. He wants him to do and be better without shutting everyone out. What’s more, The Batman showcases Alfred’s intelligence and skills as a former MI6 agent. Alfred helps solve The Riddler’s ciphers at various points in the film. These instances hint at what his life was like before he began working for Thomas and Martha Wayne all those years ago.
By also providing information about his background with MI6, Alfred becomes a more fully realized person with a past and opinions that sometimes stand in opposition to Batman. The fact Alfred reveals he taught Batman how to fight is huge and suggests that the vigilante didn’t have to leave Gotham in search of the skills he needed to help Gotham City. Alfred also plays a crucial role as the emotional core of the film. When The Riddler’s bomb, meant for Bruce, explodes and sends Alfred to the hospital with injuries, the audience is invested in Alfred’s survival and how the incident impacts Batman’s relationship with him. It’s emotionally effective and speaks to how The Batman establishes Alfred as a central figure in the vigilante’s life outside of being a father-figure for him. He’s the only one in the film — other than Catwoman, at least — who isn’t afraid to stand up to Bruce in one way or another.
It’s possible fans will see more sides to Alfred Pennyworth in The Batman 2. There is a lot left to explore of his background and The Batman sets the stage for further information to be revealed. Whatever happens, Reeves’ Batman film makes Alfred a far more intriguing and compelling character, pulling him out of his sole role as a supportive guide for Batman by offering him several moments that show off Alfred’s intelligence and history without undermining his multifaceted relationship with Bruce.