MARCUS CHEONG watches Marvel’s Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness…
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (AU-M/UK-12A/US-PG-13)
In A Word: Weird
Benedict Cumberbatch stars as Doctor Strange in Marvel’s ‘Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness’.
The 28th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness embraces the surreal, in a dimension-jumping, death-defying and mind-bending journey across the multiverse.
Dr Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) has returned after saving the universe from Thanos (Avengers: Endgrame), but his five-year absence has lost him both the title of ‘Sorcerer Supreme’ and the love of his life Christine (Rachel McAdams) who is now getting married to another man. As he contemplates whether he is truly happy, a multiverse travelling teenager, America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), falls into Dr Strange’s world. She is in desperate need of his protection from an evil entity that wants to drain her power. Strange enlists the aid of fellow Avenger, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), in an attempt to protect Chavez from the danger that threatens not only the teenager’s life, but the fabric of reality itself.
“The film lives up to the title character’s name, as this is one very strange experience. Whether it be an eyeball with tentacles rampaging through New York, a dimension made entirely out of paint or an undead sorcerer harnessing the power of lost souls as a cloak, the Multiverse of Madness embraces the weird. Prepare for imaginative environments, unexpected characters and an often surprising story.”
The film lives up to the title character’s name, as this is one very strange experience. Whether it be an eyeball with tentacles rampaging through New York, a dimension made entirely out of paint or an undead sorcerer harnessing the power of lost souls as a cloak, the Multiverse of Madness embraces the weird. Prepare for imaginative environments, unexpected characters and an often surprising story.
It should be noted that this is a scarier experience than other films in the MCU. Director Sam Raimi was deliberately chosen to helm this film with his background in horror films such as the Evil Dead franchise. Themes of witchcraft, possession and necromancy are woven into the script and may prove disturbing to some. However the core message remains true to the superhero genre, as sacrifice, loyalty and bravery are the keys to salvation and redemption.
The MCU now extends beyond the 28 films and encompasses TV shows such as Loki, WandaVision and Hawkeye. it is highly recommended that the first Doctor Strange film and WandaVision are watched first to get the most out of this latest movie. In doing so there is a richness of character in the story arcs that span nearly a decade. It is also a treat to see some familiar yet surprising faces making their reappearance. The imagination of fans will be stirred by the possibilities that are teased in this multiverse.
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a complete package. It is a tale that explores regret and loss, told through characters that we have known for years, which gives emotional weight to the story. It is a spectacle for the senses, as the action literally crashes through multiple surreal realities. It is a thriller that will scare some, while balancing a sense of humour that is consistently amusing. It is fan service for lovers of the comics, with special appearances that will have audiences cheering.
The film concludes some story arcs decisively while laying the foundation for many more tales to be told. The Marvel Cinematic Universe is now no longer limited to just one universe and it will be fascinating to see where they go from here.
