Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness: A Wild Ride Through the Multiverse, But Is It a Great Movie?
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, out Friday in cinemas, is a film that promises a mind-bending journey through the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s ever-expanding multiverse. While it features Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular Doctor Strange, the film actually centers around Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff, her grief over the loss of her children in WandaVision, and her descent into a powerful, yet troubled, path as Scarlet Witch. While everyone involved does their best to deliver a captivating experience, the film ultimately suffers from a lack of depth and a reliance on fan service, leaving viewers with a thrilling but ultimately unsatisfying experience.
A Multiverse of MacGuffins?
The film’s title might lead you to expect a story deeply focused on Doctor Strange’s exploration of the multiverse. However, while the multiverse is the backdrop, the central plot revolves around America Chavez, a young woman with the ability to travel between dimensions. Chavez is less a character and more of a MacGuffin – a pivotal object or person that drives the plot, but lacks their own arc. Her journey feels artificial and lacks the emotional weight the film attempts to convey.
Raimi’s Horror Touch and the MCU’s Limits
Sam Raimi, known for his acclaimed Spider-Man trilogy and his horror roots, brings a unique visual style to the film, pushing the MCU into a territory it rarely ventures. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is, at times, gnarly, gory, scary, and bizarro – a far cry from the usual Marvel formula. There are jump scares, body horror moments, and even an animated universe sequence, marking a departure for the studio.
However, even with Raimi’s bold direction, the film ultimately remains bound by the confines of the MCU. Despite the film’s exploration of a multiverse with limitless potential, it ultimately serves the greater good for Disney and Marvel Studios, adhering to a formula that feels safe and familiar.
A Flawed Character Arc for Doctor Strange
Doctor Strange’s arc in the film feels incomplete, lacking the depth it could have had. While the film raises interesting questions about the responsibilities of powerful beings and the potential dangers of unregulated power, these elements are never truly explored or discussed. Despite the film teasing a confrontation with his darker, more reckless selves, the focus quickly shifts to Wanda’s story, leaving Strange’s character development feeling unfulfilled.
A Thrilling, But Unsatisfying Experience
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a thrilling ride through a visually stunning and mind-bending multiverse full of shocking cameos and unexpected twists. However, its reliance on fan service, lack of character depth, and rushed storytelling leaves a lingering feeling of disappointment. While it delivers on the promise of a chaotic, unpredictable journey, it ultimately falls short of delivering an emotionally resonant and satisfying story, leaving you with the feeling of a missed opportunity.
The film is a wild and entertaining exploration of the multiverse, but it feels like a live-action Rick and Morty episode stretched to a two-hour runtime. While the visual spectacle and surprises are undeniably engaging, they ultimately feel like flashy distractions from a deeper, more meaningful narrative. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness will undeniably attract audiences seeking a quick thrill, but for those seeking a truly impactful film experience, it may leave them wanting more.
