Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness Review: An Intense Alt-Reality

The first Marvel-based project of Sam Raimi.

Yet again, Benedict Cumberbatch is back to take us into the bizarre world of Doctor Strange. The mind-bending former surgeon turned superhero from the MCU yet again baffled fans throughout the world. Flaunting the velveteen outfit with a black goatee, pin-sharp hairline, and a pointy coat, Benedict Cumberbatch seems to have played the role of Doctor Strange with great conviction again.

Warning: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness spoilers ahead.

The new Doctor Strange movie is directed by Sam Raimi, while the previous ones were directed by Scott Derrickson. Without a doubt, Sam Raimi is quite popular for his previous work in the world of superhero movies. The new Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness features the same action/life-scary aesthetic that the franchise is known for.

Just like before, Doctor Strange follows a tai-chi-like discipline when it comes to creating circular and twisted shapes in air that tear through space and time. He also flies in his signature style, unlike Superman who flies facing flat. Fans think Doctor Strange is far more elegant in that aspect since he flies upright in the air with his arms extended and right leg bent.

The new Multiverse of Madness film takes Doctor Strange through a universe that has endless possibilities. Of course, as all the movie buffs would know, the idea of the multiverse in movies is nothing new. It has been touched countless times in various superhero and science-fiction movies.

However, Strange adds a lot more on top to the usual formula in the form of cheerful humour and melodrama that is simply surreal. So, do not expect unnecessary seriousness. According to all recent reviews of the film, it is no less than a joyful ride.

It starts off with a broken-hearted Doctor Strange who still has a torch for Christine Palmer. We see him attend her wedding as a silent guest who is totally love torn from deep inside. Outside, there’s some as an octopus-like creature with a single eye is trying to kill America Chavez. It is at this point that Doctor Strange realizes that he has seen America in a dream. Perhaps, it could be another experience in a different reality in the multiverse.

It turns out that America carries dream-walking powers which allow the teen to visit different parallel universes. However, she is unable to control her ability, due to which the demon is enraged. Strange then figures out that it is in his destiny to save her. But he would not do it alone.

Instead, Doctor Strange asks the help of Wanda Maximoff, an ex-Avenger (Elizabeth Olsen). The ex-Avenger is herself quite traumatized due to her lonely visions of other existences where she is the mother of two children, something that she longs for.

All of this results in an amazing adventure as Strange wonders how his death and life would have impacted the community of superheroes in other existences. Of course, a review would not be complete without mentioning the return of other familiar characters.

As expected, Benedict Wong is back and is playing the role of Sorceror Supreme. Perhaps, the most interesting part of the Multiverse of Madness movie is how America and Doctor Strange whizz through different multiverses. Among these, one multiverse is apparently made of poster paints only.

With that, there are plenty of funny scenes in the film as well. For instance, they end up in a different version of New York City which features decorations of flowers and plants. However, in this particular version, a red signal means “go” and fast food comes inside little balls. But while Wanda gets to see visions of herself with two adorable sons, Strange, unfortunately, does not get to see a version of him living peacefully with Christine.

Overall, the Multiverse of Madness is a high-energy film that brings back the concept of multiverses to the MCU. Of course, the concept of multiverses is a very tough one to grasp. Previously, we have seen movies introducing it in a very serious manner.

However, what makes this new Doctor Strange film so fun and interesting is that the same concept is approached with great lightness and humour. No wonder every review seems to be rating this new Doctor Strange film highly.