Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a story of parallel dimensions. Master of the Mystic Arts Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has been through a lot—saving the world, losing friends along the way, and grappling with how to keep reality as we know it stable. When a new mysterious foe threatens to destroy not only his universe, but a vast multitude of others, he must forge alliances with new heroes and old. The result takes him on one of his strangest journeys yet (sorry!).
What works in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the macabre. Director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, The Evil Dead) refreshingly pushes the genre boundaries of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by offering something wholly new: horror. Make no mistake that for all the Marvel films full of color and low stakes, Multiverse of Madness subverts all expectations and offer legitimate startles, gore, and consequences. Raimi leverages his multiple decades of experience crafting tension and thrills, and all is on display here. This film is a ride full of fantastic twists and turns that will engage audiences from the first sequence never letting up until and through the credits roll.
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It would be remiss not to mention the performances within Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. People at this point might take for granted Cumberbatch’s abilities as an actor given his already impressive resume. But once again, the good Doctor gives it his all playing multiple versions of himself that feel both unified and distinct. It’s quite an impressive feat. But for all of Cumberbatch’s work, he might actually get outshone by Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) who follows her Emmy-nominated performance on WandaVision with a continuation of the character’s arc through new and unexpected chapters. She is, once again, brilliant and captivating.
Individuals who don’t enjoy scares and grotesque imagery won’t enjoy Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness as much as others. This film is a radical and dark departure from the previous MCU films. Patrons, especially parents of non-teenage children, need to be strongly cautioned about the content—it’s easily classified as “disturbing” in many instances. Furthermore, this film works best when viewers have done their “homework.” In this case, Multiverse of Madness is best enjoyed if one has previously seen (in priority order): Doctor Strange, WandaVision, Avengers: Endgame, and What If…? Without some knowledge of those narratives, the film will be slightly confusing and have less of an impact.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a fantastic entry into the Marvel pantheon. It opens up the world in creative fashion through mind-bending sequences full of stomach-twisting surprises. While its ghastly nature may prove unappealing for some, it’s hard not to applaud the film for breaking new ground.
Recommended if you Enjoyed: WandaVision, Doctor Strange, What If…?
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