Marvel Studios has done it again. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the sequel to the 2016 origin story of the Sorcerer Supreme, is a thrilling and visually stunning journey through the alternate realities of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Directed by Sam Raimi, the master of horror and fantasy, the film delivers on its promise of being the scariest and most ambitious Marvel movie yet.
The plot picks up after the events of Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: No Way Home, where Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) had to deal with the consequences of his actions in reversing Thanos’ snap and helping Peter Parker restore his secret identity. Strange is also haunted by the death of his mentor, the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton), and the betrayal of his former ally, Mordo (Chiwetel Ejiofor), who is now hunting down sorcerers across the world.
Strange’s life gets even more complicated when he meets America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), a young girl who can open portals to other dimensions. She is pursued by a monstrous creature that threatens to destroy the fabric of reality. Strange and his loyal friend Wong (Benedict Wong) decide to protect her and find out who is behind this attack.
Their investigation leads them to Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), aka Scarlet Witch, who is still grieving over the loss of her children and her lover Vision. Wanda has been studying the Darkhold, a book of dark magic that contains secrets of the multiverse. She is willing to do anything to reunite with her family, even if it means unleashing chaos and madness upon all worlds.
Strange and Wanda have to team up to face a new enemy, who is none other than an evil version of Strange himself. This dark doppelganger, known as Strange Supreme, is a result of a different timeline where Strange became obsessed with saving his love Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) from a car accident, at the cost of destroying his own universe. He now seeks to conquer and consume all other realities, and he has an army of twisted versions of familiar Marvel characters at his disposal.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a roller coaster ride of action, horror, comedy, and emotion. The film pays homage to Raimi’s signature style, with references to his Evil Dead and Spider-Man franchises, as well as nods to classic horror films like The Exorcist and The Shining. The film also expands the scope and scale of the MCU, introducing new characters and concepts from the comics, such as Shuma-Gorath, Clea, Brother Voodoo, Nightmare, and more.
The film also features some amazing performances from its cast. Cumberbatch once again proves why he is perfect for the role of Doctor Strange, showing his range from arrogant to heroic to vulnerable. Olsen shines as Wanda, portraying her grief, anger, power, and redemption with nuance and intensity. Gomez is a breakout star as America, bringing charm, humor, and courage to her character. Wong is always a delight as Wong, providing comic relief and wisdom. Ejiofor is menacing as Mordo, showing his conviction and ruthlessness. McAdams is sweet as Christine, showing her compassion and resilience. And Swinton makes a welcome return as the Ancient One, revealing more secrets and surprises about her past.
But perhaps the most impressive performance comes from Cumberbatch himself, who plays both Strange and Strange Supreme. He manages to create two distinct personalities for his characters, making them look and sound different from each other. He also delivers some of the most intense and emotional scenes in the film, especially when he confronts his darker self.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a must-see for Marvel fans and movie lovers alike. It is a spectacle of visual effects and storytelling that will keep you on the edge of your seat and blow your mind. It is also a testament to Raimi’s vision and talent as a filmmaker, who has brought his own flair and flavor to the MCU. It is truly a multiverse of madness that you don’t want to miss.
You can see the excerpt here and see more on the IMDB page
