Plot Overview

The movie kicks off with Doctor Strange dealing with the repercussions of Spider-Man: No Way Home and the tampering of the multiverse. After experiencing nightmares about alternate realities, Strange is thrust into a high-stakes adventure when a young girl named America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) arrives in his world, pursued by sinister forces. Chavez has the unique ability to travel between universes, and she’s being hunted by an unknown entity that seeks to harness her power.

Strange enlists the help of Wanda Maximoff, who has retreated into isolation following the events of WandaVision. However, it soon becomes clear that Wanda—now fully embracing her Scarlet Witch persona—has darker motives. Consumed by grief and the desire to reunite with her children from an alternate universe, she becomes the primary antagonist, determined to take America’s power for herself, regardless of the consequences.

As Strange and Chavez navigate the multiverse, they encounter alternate versions of familiar characters, including different versions of Strange himself, as well as the long-awaited introduction of the Illuminati—a secretive group of powerful heroes from other realities. Throughout the film, Strange is forced to confront the consequences of his own actions and choices, particularly his willingness to bend the rules to achieve his goals, while also grappling with the larger implications of the multiverse unraveling.

Themes and Tone

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a darker and more psychologically intense film than its predecessor, embracing elements of horror and existential dread. The multiverse concept allows the film to explore the idea of alternate versions of ourselves—what we could be if we made different choices, and the inherent chaos that comes from these branching possibilities. It’s a film about identity, grief, and the consequences of unchecked power.

Wanda Maximoff’s arc is particularly tragic, as the film leans heavily into her grief and desperation to reclaim the family she lost in WandaVision. Her transformation into the Scarlet Witch is both terrifying and sympathetic, as the movie dives into the corrupting nature of her power and the moral ambiguity of her actions.

Tonally, the film is a blend of Marvel’s usual action-adventure style with Sam Raimi’s signature horror and suspense. There are jump scares, eerie atmospheres, and moments that border on psychological horror. It’s a movie that isn’t afraid to be darker and more experimental, though it still retains the humor and spectacle that MCU fans expect.

Performance Highlights

  • Benedict Cumberbatch: As Doctor Strange, Cumberbatch continues to bring depth and complexity to the character. In this film, Strange is forced to question his methods, wrestling with the ethical dilemmas that come with being the “sorcerer who knows best.” Cumberbatch handles the duality of Strange—the hero and the potential villain—with ease, particularly when playing alternate versions of himself.

  • Elizabeth Olsen: Olsen delivers a powerhouse performance as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch. The film fully embraces her character’s dark turn, portraying Wanda as a tragic villain whose immense grief drives her to extreme measures. Olsen imbues the role with both vulnerability and menace, making her one of the MCU’s most compelling antagonists to date.

  • Xochitl Gomez: As America Chavez, Gomez is a fresh addition to the MCU. While her character serves more as a plot device at times, Gomez brings energy and heart to the role. Chavez’s journey from a frightened teenager unsure of her powers to someone willing to take control of her destiny is a key emotional arc in the film.

  • Benedict Wong: As Wong, the current Sorcerer Supreme, Wong continues to provide both comic relief and moments of gravitas. His dynamic with Strange evolves as Wong asserts his authority, adding depth to their relationship.

Visuals and Special Effects

Visually, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is one of the MCU’s most ambitious films. The multiverse concept allows for a dazzling array of alternate realities, each with its own distinct visual style. From a paint-splattered dimension to a world where everything has gone to ruin, the film constantly shifts its aesthetic, keeping the audience engaged with unpredictable and often surreal environments.

Sam Raimi’s horror influences are evident in the way certain scenes are framed, especially during Wanda’s terrifying pursuit of Strange and Chavez through different dimensions. The visuals are often disorienting, with warped perspectives, twisting landscapes, and sequences that feel nightmarish. The special effects team clearly had fun with the multiverse concept, bringing Raimi’s signature blend of camp and terror to life.

The action sequences are equally inventive, particularly a showdown between two versions of Strange that uses music as a weapon. This battle is unlike anything seen in the MCU, showcasing the film’s willingness to experiment with form and content.

Strengths

  1. Elizabeth Olsen’s Scarlet Witch: Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda as a fully-realized, tragic antagonist elevates the film. Her emotional journey is compelling and heartbreaking, making her character one of the MCU’s most nuanced villains.
  2. Multiverse Exploration: The film takes full advantage of its premise, showing audiences a wide variety of alternate realities and versions of characters. This not only broadens the scope of the MCU but also allows for some fun cameos and twists.
  3. Sam Raimi’s Direction: Raimi brings a distinctive style to the movie, blending superhero action with horror. His flair for creating tension and dread adds an edge to the film, making it one of the darker and more unique entries in the MCU.
  4. Inventive Action: The film’s action scenes are imaginative and fresh, particularly the multiverse jumps and the magical duels. The creative use of Strange’s powers, combined with Chavez’s universe-hopping abilities, makes for exciting and unpredictable set-pieces.

Weaknesses

  1. Pacing Issues: The film’s rapid pace, especially in the first half, can feel overwhelming. There’s a lot of ground to cover, from setting up the multiverse stakes to developing Wanda’s villain arc, and at times, it feels like the film rushes through important moments, leaving little room for reflection.
  2. Character Underdevelopment: While America Chavez is a key character, she often feels underdeveloped, serving more as a plot device than a fully realized individual. Her backstory is hinted at but not fully explored, which leaves her arc feeling somewhat incomplete.
  3. Overstuffed Narrative: The film tries to juggle multiple storylines and ideas—Doctor Strange’s inner conflict, Wanda’s grief, America Chavez’s powers, and the larger implications of the multiverse—and at times, it feels like the movie is stretched too thin. Some ideas aren’t explored in as much depth as they deserve.

Final Thoughts

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a bold and visually stunning film that pushes the boundaries of the MCU. It successfully embraces its multiverse concept, offering viewers a kaleidoscopic array of alternate realities and possibilities, while also delving into darker, more personal themes of grief, power, and responsibility.

Elizabeth Olsen’s turn as the Scarlet Witch is a standout, delivering one of the MCU’s most complex and tragic villains. Meanwhile, Benedict Cumberbatch continues to impress as Doctor Strange, navigating the moral gray areas that come with his immense power.

While the film suffers from pacing issues and the occasional narrative overload, it’s a thrilling, unique entry in the Marvel franchise that blends superhero action with elements of horror and the supernatural. Sam Raimi’s influence is evident throughout, and his return to the superhero genre brings a fresh, darker perspective to the MCU’s ever-expanding universe.

In conclusion, Doctor Strange in the Multivers