Dreams aren’t just dreams in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. They are realities in different universes. Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is hit with this realization from the get-go by America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) after saving her from a foul tentacled creature. Chavez has a lot of experience in multiverses since she has the gift of jumping from one to another. Though how she’s actually able to do it…she hasn’t figured that part out yet. But that kind of power gains the attention from the wrong kind of people, or, more precisely – the wrong kind of witch.
Cumberbatch is sensational as usual with fans getting their dose of Strange(s) in a solid sequel that could afford to be more maddening. Additionally, there’s poignant parts that tend to be missing when it comes to Strange and Chavez, along with Strange’s continual love for Christine (Rachel McAdams) where no matter the universe – they can’t seem to make it work. Even with its faults, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness separates itself from a lot of other MCU entries by being venturous enough to carry our favorite smartass sorcerer into new territory that’s assuredly strange and scary.
And make no mistake, director Sam Raimi is the main reason for that. Honestly, it would’ve been A-OK with me if he and writer Michael Waldron would have gone further with everything. As far as the script itself goes…it doesn’t do the movie any favors. But Raimi’s cracking visuals overcomes a good deal while becoming MCU’s first true horror movie. With the support of Danny Elfman’s sublime score, Raimi does what he does best – feeding audiences a big ole spoonful of creepiness, jump-scares, and violence the likes of which we’ve never seen before in the MCU. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness and Raimi’s dreamily deranged style are an ideal match.
This may very well be Doctor Strange’s movie, but it’s Elizabeth Olsen’s portrayal of Wanda/Scarlet Witch that provides the story’s emotional core that’s entirely essential. As seen in WandaVision, Wanda is grief-stricken and the only thing she wants is to be with her children wherever that may be. The consequences be damned. Her pain comes pouring out while a mother and a monster interfuse from within. Olsen is irrefutably a force to be reckoned with.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness gets messy while traveling down bizarre paths that lead to, shall we say, a battle of the books. It’s the Darkhold vs. the Book of the Vishanti! Nonetheless, with themes of love, regret, happiness, and torment, you’re in for a good time with plenty of spectacle, scares, and surprises. There’s a method to Raimi’s Madness and is a welcome departure from the usual MCU stuff.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern Film Critics Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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