Doctor Strange Sequel Manifests Magic in the Multiverse

The spectacular sorcery showdown is finally here! Marvel’s highly anticipated big-screen feature follows Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) into a reality-shattering adventure after the events of the mega-hit, Spiderman: No Way Home. (This article contains spoilers.)

The story opens with an alternate universe Strange and newcomer America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) being pursued by a Koosh ball-shaped demon across an inter-dimensional transect. Gaining against their defense, Strange makes the difficult choice to steal Chavez’s life force in an attempt to hold back the creature. His plan fails; Strange is killed, and Chavez escapes by creating a portal to our Earth.

Our Doctor Strange, awakening from a dream where he witnessed these events, attends the wedding of ex-fiancé Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams, returning from the first installment). Although Christine has moved on to a more reliable companion, the spark between them is ever-present. Festivities are interrupted by a cycloptic demon chasing Chavez through the New York streets. Strange intervenes and defeats the creature with the help of Wong (Benedict Wong), recent claimant of the Sorcerer Supreme title and delightful supporting presence in the film.

Chavez, though skeptical of Strange’s intentions, informs the two that she is being pursued because of her ability to travel between universes, making her power a seasonal must-have for whomever is attempting to find her. Recognizing symbols of witchcraft on the creature, Strange consults with the Avengers’ resident expert, Wanda Maximoff (Elisabeth Olsen).

As we recall from WandaVision, our Scarlet Witch was last seen taking a mountain getaway for some light reading. Her novel of choice was of course not the latest Nora Roberts but the MCU’s Book of the Damned known as the Darkhold, capable of corrupting any reader who opens its tattered pages. While we sympathized with Wanda’s emotional cataclysm in the town of Westview, we can agree that this manual probably should have stayed in the restricted section or been sent to Florida for an old-fashioned book banning.

A devious villain emerges within a nightmarish landscape reminiscent of the haunted forest in The Wizard of Oz. The race to evade its menacing grasp is afoot, eventually leading our heroes to a parallel sanctum where the audience is presented with dazzling cameo appearances. These scenes surmounted the pinnacle of this installment for me, showcasing the possibilities that are now being explored in a cinematic multiverse and offerings of more to follow.

Throughout the journey, director Sam Raimi provides a notable influence on both the content and styling of the film. Known for the early 2000s Spider-Man trilogy and a series of horror movies, his distinctive, in-your-face camera shots deliver the madness as Strange encounters monstrous formations of other realities. The fright-style aspect presents a previously unexplored element for the MCU that would have made for a fitting Halloween season release. Ghoul- and zombie-like minions seemingly inspired by blockbusters like The Mummy take precedence; however, they do eventually push on the limits CGI overuse, only to be rescued by the film’s appropriate two-hour runtime.

An introspective theme of fulfillment is also introduced within the story by Christine asking Strange whether he is happy. Sequels frequently explore greater character depths than their debuts, and while I welcomed this applicable narrative to any superhero making sacrifices for the greater good, I’m undecided just how well the question was answered here in Part Two. Perhaps when Stephen discovers the secret to work/life balance he can share that with all of us; in the meantime, repurposing a couple minutes of finale sorcery for further development may have proven beneficial. Regardless, additional installments are clearly in the books.

Also adding mention is Disney’s continued dedication to diversity and inclusivity in its films, a welcome addition, particularly amid the current political climate. A simple portrayal of caring, same-gender parents should be the cause for no controversy anywhere, while Gomez, the MCU’s first Latina queer superhero, makes an outstanding counterbalance to Strange. I applaud the studio for continuing to challenge the norms and make comic book fandom an inspiring place for all.

In summary, as someone whose imagination frequently wanders into the majesty of great wizards like Gandalf, Dumbledore, and Doctor Strange, I found The Multiverse of Madness to be a creative, joyful, and out-of-the-box installment for Marvel. The enchanting cast, wicked humor, and imaginative new heights of cinematic exploration left me spellbound for more.

Rating: 8 out of 10

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now in theaters.

Photo courtesy of Marvel