Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the final film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the first film directed by Sam Raimi in nine years. He continues where Spider-Man: No Coming Home left out is the titular doctor/sorcerer dealing with the consequences of opening up access to other parallel universes. This film sees Strange team up with America Chavez, a mysterious teenage girl with the ability to travel between universes. With the help of Wong and The Scarlet Witch, they face enemies from various universes, including alternate versions of themselves.

This might be one of the weirdest movies Marvel has made so far (pun partially intended). The openness of the multiverse leaves room for chaos, and while that’s true, the film also remains focused on a relatively small number of characters in two main universes. This movie cleverly hints at the different paths Marvel movies could take in their seemingly limitless future.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is easily the most gruesome Marvel movie. This is thanks to the work of masterful filmmaker Sam Raimi. His previous credits include the classic horror trilogy for The Evil Dead and the Tobey Maguire Spider-Man trilogy from the 2000s. Both sets of films were groundbreaking for their time and genre, and this movie sees him combine those two iconic time periods. of her career.

Some have said this movie was more madness than multiverse, and for the most part, that seems to be true. The alternate universe aspect of the film is quite small, and fans expecting something different might be disappointed. Still, it’s better to rate a film on what it is than what it isn’t. The film more than lives up to its promise of “madness”, with the director fully doing Raimi on everyone.

Sam Raimi is best known for his highly stylized cinematography, most often used in the service of grotesque horror. His trademark is all over this film, which features some of the most brutal and gruesome death scenes in Marvel history. Raimi doesn’t shy away from showing his influences either. The scenes with Wanda Maximoff (The Scarlet Witch) feature obvious references to horror classics like Carrie, The Shining, and The Ring. The latter is almost the exact same scene, with Wanda walking through a portal, her limbs ominously reforming and fitting into place like a Lego set.

Sam Raimi is something of a magician, pulling new tricks out of an old hat. It livens up Marvel’s arguably outdated formula without running out of surprises. Horror elements are often associated with humor, even when they seem diametrically opposed. Like a mad scientist, Raimi blends seemingly incompatible elements to produce something utterly unique. He even made an appearance for the hilarious, scene-stealing Bruce Campbell, his friend and muse since his Evil Dead days.

The splitting of the multiverse parallels the internal splitting of the story’s protagonists. Most of the characters are in the process of piecing themselves together, finding their way home and their purpose in life. This is best reflected in this movie’s biggest addition to the MCU: America Chavez.

Played by newcomer Xochitl Gomez, America Chavez was recently created in the comics and she’s an exciting new character in the cinematic universe. During the film, she struggles to understand and harness her own powers. Like most young people, she is trying to figure out who she is and what she is capable of. His ability to open portals and travel between universes is one that will open up new possibilities for storytelling in the MCU.

Only time will tell, but it looks like this movie sets the stage for the future of Marvel movies. Spoiler-free, this film features several familiar yet surprising characters; laying the groundwork for their potential emergence in future Marvel projects. This film has a clear connection to the future, but it also has a strong hold on the past.

One criticism some people have of Marvel movies is that the viewer would be lost if they hadn’t seen the list of MCU projects as expansive as the multiverse itself. While I think they do a pretty good job of making each movie enjoyable without the context of previous movies and shows, viewers are rewarded for seeing previous content. I highly recommend people watch season 1 of Wanda Vision on Disney+ before watching Multiverse of Madness especially.

Wanda Vision was the first TV show set in the MCU, and it’s probably the best they’ve done so far. Like in that film, Elizabeth Olsen gives a stunning performance as Wanda Maximoff. Her character is driven by grief and motherly love; two of the most powerful human experiences. This film sees her harnessing that power, showing the full extent of her reality-altering abilities in ways that are both startling and chilling. Olsen plays this multifaceted character with heartbreaking tenderness, shattering the preconceptions many have about comic book movie characters.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is an emotionally resonant and complex entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He arouses fear and sympathy for several characters, often at the same time. It sees Sam Raimi inject his iconically morbid sensibility into an expansive foray into the multiverse; in the process paying homage to comic books, horror movies, and his own eclectic career.