Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Film Review

Director – Sam Raimi
Writer – Michael Waldron
Stars- Benedict Cumberbatch, Elizabeth Olsen, Chiwetel Ejiofor

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is the official launch of phase 4 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe and they have really gone all-in on this one. If that means nothing to you, don’t worry, there is still plenty to enjoy here even if some of the more fan-pleasing moments go over your head.

Benedict Cumberbatch returns as Dr Stephen Strange the neurosurgeon turned mystic sorcerer who is once again trying to save the world. It is hard to talk about the plot of Multiverse of Madness without spoiling it so I’ll just say this… Things get tense very quickly and it is more than the fate of our world that is on the line here. Cumberbatch once again gives Strange the gravitas and commitment he deserves as a character but it is Elizabeth Olsen that steals any scene she is in. If you have seen WandaVision I’m sure you’ll have an idea what her motivation is in this outing and it is exciting to see the Scarlet Witch finally come into her chaos magic-wielding own.

Sam Rami returns to the world of directing superheroes (minus any web-slinging teenagers) and is in top form. He brings his token humour and skill for building tension making this a really strong addition to the MCU. There are a lot of strands to hold in this film and Rami manages to make the plot feel accessible and clean even as we jump between universes.

As always Dr Strange contains a lot of intense and beautiful visuals. This time around they have stepped up their game and not only given the audience intense, colourful and mesmerizing glimpses into dozens of parallel universes they have added a new layer with the music. I won’t go into too many details (spoilers again) but all I’ll say is the use of a Beethoven symphony in a climactic fight scene is a touch of genius.
While this film might not have as much heart or edge of your seat moments as Spiderman: No Way Home it is a fun new step for Marvel. Things are darker here in the Multiverse and the consequences of opening up multiple realities mean an infinite amount of possibilities to come. Exciting times are ahead and this film is a perfect gateway into a bold and slightly strange new future for all.