'Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness' Review: The MCU Gets The Sam Raimi Touch
With Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness, director Sam Raimi makes his MCU debut, resulting in a wild, visually stunning film that pushes the boundaries of its characters and world into exciting new territory.
In this highly anticipated sequel, audiences are reunited with Stephen Strange after he cast a forbidden spell in Spider-Man: No Way Home, opening up the door to the multiverse, where threats to his world begin to emerge, including alternate versions of himself. Benedict Cumberbatch returns as the beloved sorcerer, joined by Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, newcomer Xochitl Gomez as America Chavez, and of course Elizabeth Olsen’s Wanda Maximoff.
The prospect of a Sam Raimi helmed Doctor Strange film was certainly an exciting one, considering his background in the realm of comic book characters, particularly his Spider-Man trilogy starring Tobey Maguire. Fortunately, his unique, playful voice isn’t muted here, his personality fully shining through, crafting one of the most bold, exciting, and vibrant films the MCU has put out thus far. His visual flourishes, camerawork, and sense of humor are all on full display, blending in seamlessly with the story the film has to offer. By the time the credits roll, it’s clear that Raimi was the best man for the job, especially considering this is Marvel’s first foray into horror.
Not only does the film have a distinct personality and visual style, but the focus on character is what truly makes it soar. Raimi is no stranger to fleshing out comic book characters and thankfully Stephen and Wanda are no exceptions. Both characters are given satisfying, emotionally compelling arcs throughout the film, both revealing new layers of themselves as they deal with the emotional fallout of their previous actions. Cumberbatch and Olsen are in terrific form here, each of them bringing their A-game and rising to the occasion, especially when the story and action sequences call for it. Olsen in particular is phenomenal, capitalizing on her impressive work in WandaVision and continuing to make Wanda one of the MCU’s most fascinating and emotionally complex characters in play. The supporting cast is solid as well, particularly Gomez as America Chavez, who feels like a natural addition to this world and builds a fun dynamic with Cumberbatch’s Strange.
As for fans looking for their Marvel action fix, they can rest assured that the film will deliver the goods. Raimi crafts some of his best action sequences to date, each topping the previous one in terms of excitement and visual panache. The visual effects are truly stunning and they are complemented by action sequences that feel distinctly different from most that have taken place within this cinematic universe, each boasting some great direction from Raimi and the scope fans have come to expect. This is a colorful, lively film that isn’t afraid to take risks and that’s what sets it apart from the rest of the Marvel pack. In fact, it’s even terrifying at times, Raimi’s horror sensibilities lending well to this darker material, resulting in some of the most gnarly visuals seen in a Marvel film.
Many fans were notably worried about the film’s runtime, clocking in at a little over two hours, which is unusually short compared to most Marvel films. Fortunately, this is a welcomed change of pace considering the film hits the ground running from the outset and is able to cover a sizable amount of ground in a short period of time without feeling rushed or truncated. Even when the pacing slows down a bit, the momentum is maintained and the tension continues to rise and marinate. This is a film that doesn’t want to waste a single second and other Marvel films could’ve benefited from sharing a similar mindset.
Doctor Strange In The Multiverse of Madness may divide critics and audiences, but it remains one of Marvel’s most stylish and flavorful entries. It’s an unapologetic Sam Raimi film through and through and that may not connect with everyone, but Raimi’s direction, paired with his ghoulish humor and the fantastic performances and action set pieces, are a winning combination. In a phase of Marvel where this cinematic universe isn’t afraid to dip its toes into wild, uncharted waters, this entry feels like its most daring yet. If anything, this comic book film shows signs of a universe that is only just beginning to truly open up.