Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness (2022) | Film Review

Following the events of the Disney+ series WandaVision, and Spider-Man: No Way Home where Dr. Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) cast a forbidden spell that opened the doorway to the multiverse, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness finds Strange protecting a young girl from unseen forces, including alternate versions of himself, whose threat to humanity is too great for the combined forces of Strange, Wong (Benedict Wong), and Wanda Maximoff a.k.a. Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen). WARNING: This is wholly a horror film, especially for the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

An Emotionally Driven Story with a Horror Atmosphere

MCU films wouldn’t typically be categorized as character-driven like many indie films are, but Multiverse of Madness is so emotionally driven by Wanda’s experiences. In the moments we pan to her face, we can observe Wanda’s reaction to something we don’t even see on-screen and still understand what is happening. That is how powerful Elizabeth Olsen’s performance is in this film alongside Sam Raimi’s distinct directing style. While Olsen is pulling out all the stops for a display more than deserving of an award nomination, Raimi is pulling out such varying emotions in the most creative ways. 

Raimi’s fingerprints are all over this movie, from the gruesome zombies to The Evil Dead and Army of Darkness callbacks. It is FUN to sit on this ride through the multiverse, and no other director could take the mantle and succeed the way Sam Raimi has. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is absolutely a horror film, no doubt about it. The creatures, the blood, gore, and violence, and the dark exploration of humanity all serve to further his mark.

It’s Scarlet’s Time

It’s about damn time that Scarlet Witch / Wanda Maximoff receives a proper and full introduction into the MCU films, something that has been sorely lacking for more than a decade. Fortunately for us all, WandaVision’s success has given our girl the opportunity to shine in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. She is not just a side character who lends a hand here or there. Olsen receives almost as much screentime as Cumberbatch, so this is just as much her movie as it is his.

For those of us who read House of M and knew Scarlet Witch from outside the minor glimpses in films, it is so refreshing to have this character and the level of her power so realized. There’s this dark humanity in Scarlet Witch where she is willing to do absolutely whatever it takes to be with her family and she operates as the Merriam Webster definition of “love that knows no bounds”. Female super-powered beings are usually portrayed as a perfected or entirely flawed character – nothing in the middle. Though, that is not at all Wanda’s personality; she is incredibly flawed and her actions are ruled by her emotions, but she has the best of intentions at heart.

There’s Still Work to be Done

Despite loving the concept of Doctor Strange and his iterations in the comics, I have never connected with the execution of his character in the MCU. As a viewer who tends to be more drawn to the magic-users in a world, it has always surprised me that Marvel hasn’t created a version of Doctor Strange that has made me gravitate towards him. What If…? is the closest I’ve gotten to enjoying the character on-screen because his character crept into a darkness, making him more interesting. Otherwise, Strange typically comes across as very arrogant. 

While I had hoped to walk out of this incredible Dolby Atmos experience with a newfound love for the Doctor, the opposite occurred. Cowardly would be too strong of a word to describe him, so fearful feels more apt. Instead of being the ever-arrogant version, he is more subdued, afraid of others’ power, and not the leader I know he can and should be. Ultimately, he takes control where needed, but his recognition of the powerful villain at hand comes across more weak than cautious. But I will say that Sam Raimi definitely made Strange cooler with a fluidly orchestrated cape scene.

…But an Improvement from the First Doctor Strange

The script in Multiverse of Madness is so much cleaner and tighter than the first film. Raimi elicits a smoother flow between the acts and although there’s a lengthier runtime, we’re not left looking to our Apple watch for the time. As a movie lover, there is nothing I love more than being left to ponder philosophical questions. Raimi elegantly pulls content from the comics and merges them with his dark visuals to cause an internal conflict in his viewers.

Regardless of the qualms and criticisms, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a gift crafted for horror and Scarlet Witch fans alike.

Listen to our full spoilercast on Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness here!