That is one of the reasons Raimi’s upcoming Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) has both hands and eight arms folded over exactly where in the world that yarn will worm its way into a Marvel tent pole film.The second solo outing for Doctor Strange, this movie does something the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has never done before by fully embracing the multiverse concept it’s teased in previous MCU entries. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness looks to deliver on that horror through jaw-dropping visuals and a complex plot that is paired with a convergence of Lovecraftian themes to provide us with even more surprises for Marvel fans.
Plot Overview
Here we go doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madnesstakes over Spider-Man: No Way Home as when last we saw Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) at the end of the latter movie, he did a little multiverse meddling to assist Peter Parker The movie follows Strange as a multiverse traveler who’s been continuing to battle the odds taking on new threats that test both his powers and moral compass.
The story sees Strange crossing paths with a young girl gift inter-dimensional time travel elation, America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). Strange must fend off the malevolent hunters from another dimension, hunting America and coveting her abilities. As Strange shuttles between alternative worlds, he recruits Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) for aid only to find that the Darkhold-imbued witch is actually the narrative focal point & villain free from containment who wants nothing more than to steal him and his two children across realities.
Throughout the movie, Strange and America endure many trials and tribulations as they hop from one parallel universe to another in an attempt to remain alive. The movie shows the fans new versions of known characters primarily with the Illuminati a secret group that is made up of powerful heroes from other universes. With the multiverse descending into madness, Strange will be forced to choose between saving America or igniting a dark future that might also bind the fate of the multiverse!
It happens all too rarely that these character beats result in a little bit of true character development and some great performances, which makes it even more dismaying for me to have them all shoved again through the gauntlet.
Because let’s be honest, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is great not only because it delivers a very interesting story but also the best performances from its cast. Once again, Benedict Cumberbatch stands out as Doctor Strange, conveying arrogance with vulnerability and wisdom to his character. Strangely, now Strange must face the realization of what he has done — and how it has fractured the nature of the multiverse.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Olsendoes one of the best things she’s ever done as electric witch Wanda Maximoff. Watching that evolution happen as a development of her character from one seeking redemption in WandaVision, we see Herb becoming a back licensed-villain is both heart-breaking and scary. With sustained intensity, Olsen encapsulates Wanda’s grief, rage, and longing and brings us close to one of the most powerful and tragic characters in the MCU.
Xochitl Gomezis the movie’s X-factor, playing America Chavez at an even more callow age than in the comics. She together with Cumberbatch share great chemistry and their mentor-mentee relationship resonates well throughout the story. Rachel McAdams as Christine Palmer and Chiwetel Ejiofor as Baron Mordo are the rest of the thrilling supporting cast that amped up another layer of depth and emotion to this film.
Grand Visual Spectacle And A Dash Of Horror
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness has one of the most distinct visualities. The film is directed by Sam Raimi, known for bringing his signature blend of horror and absurdity to the Evil Dead franchise and Tobey Maguire-starring Spider-Man trilogy. The multiverse is treated as essentially a sandbox for weird, alternate universes that have their reality and set of styles.
And the special effects in this movie are just, groundbreaking. It can be the mind-bending transitions between one universe and another, or Doctor Strange fighting against himself in alternate versions, or even the supernatural horror portrayed in the upset vision of the Scarlet Witch. What pleases me most is how Raimi so delicately blurs the line between horror and superhero troupe — something that, in a way similar to Deadpool but now powered by pure nightmare fuel, feels much safer having experienced for two minutes.
Themes Explored
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is driven by similar themes of grief, power, and consequences. Strange and Wanda are dealing with their losses, doing as the movie looks into what they both want back which influences them even more. Iron Strange having not fully healed and moved on from the endgame must learn how to move away from control in situations but it can lead to more chaos if he’s not careful.
But it is Wanda who gets the most screen time, as her loss of an imaginary husband and children from a parallel universe becomes the crux of the emotional conundrum in this film. Her character asks to what lengths can a person be pushed over the edge by love and loss. Is Wanda a madwoman, or should she be praised for being willing to bring anyone down who opposes her as someone mentally sane given the nature of power and how easily one can get corrupted by it.
The story involves Strangeencountering a young girl blessed with inter-dimensional time travel ecstasy, America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez). The cameos give fans an exciting hint at the opportunities for crossovers in other multiverse-oriented movies to come.
The film also serves to tease future MCU narratives, particularly those dealing with the multiverse and what-if realities. Phase Four aficionados from the MCU should enjoy how Multiverse of Madness fits into what was teased in WandaVision and Loki — fleshing out the mechanics of the multiverse and just how much power wields when one breaks reality.
Critiques / Limitations
Other than that, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness offers plenty more entertaining and eye-catching sequences but here are some flaws of note. The pacing in general, particularly at the beginning movie, does get a little rushed at times. A possible downside though is that it will be the first appearance of America Chavez and the concept being used here might only confuse viewers who haven’t been following everything MCU.
While a few Doctor Strange fans might feel that the film endures in placing more emphasis on Wanda Maximoff than on Strange’s growth as a person. With how engaging Wanda’s side of the story is, we also wish Strange had a bit more room for growth in his own right — and by that we mean growth as, you know, a character.
Read More: Why You Should Watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, explained
Also, we are big fans of the MCU so if you want to experience more about the multiverse then definitely watch Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It is the Incredible meld of mental properties that acted wonderfully with a storyline so thick, that it easily surpasses most Marvel presentations. The film is really interesting and a fun change of pace from a superhero perspective mixed with horror elements making it unique for long-time fans as well as newcomers.
It’s also establishing the plotting of its narrative sequels with new characters and multiverse shenanigans that are part of attendant MCU Phase 4 features. If you care about Doctor Strange’s plot at all and also have a passing curiosity of what has become of Wanda Maximoff this is liable to keep your interest: Minute One to Roll The End.
Final Verdict
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is an exciting and visually stunning new entry into the MCU that expands the potential of comic-book superhero storytelling. Balancing thrills, interchange, and supernatural horror with the always excellent performances from Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen as Scar- it’s a grand flash, with brilliant directions by Sam Raimi. It can feel over-the-top at times, and may prove a bit overwhelming for more casual audiences due to its take on the multiverse concept (and other rather complex internal logic), but is an incredibly important piece of the MCU puzzle.
