Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – Chaos, Horror, and Heart

🌌 Introduction

This review is part of the MCU Watch Order – explore all Marvel movies and shows in timeline order!

With Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, the Marvel Cinematic Universe pushes boundaries. Part superhero epic, part supernatural horror, this sequel dives deep into alternate realities and moral dilemmas – with Doctor Strange and Scarlet Witch at the center of it all.

🧩 Story Overview

After the multiverse is fractured by prior events (WandaVision, Spider-Man: No Way Home), Doctor Strange encounters a mysterious girl named America Chavez, who possesses the rare ability to travel between universes. When she becomes the target of a dark force, Strange steps in – only to discover that Wanda Maximoff, now fully embracing her identity as the Scarlet Witch, is behind it all.

Haunted by the loss of her children, Wanda seeks to control the multiverse to find a reality where they still exist.

The result? Chaos across worlds.

🌀 A Horror-Tinged MCU Experience

Director Sam Raimi (Evil Dead, Spider-Man Trilogy) brings a horror flair rarely seen in Marvel films:

• Jump scares
• Creepy dream-walking sequences
• Haunted mirror dimensions
• A zombified Doctor Strange (yes, really)

This blend of horror and superhero action feels fresh, risky, and at times genuinely unsettling – perfect for fans who enjoy a darker tone.

⌛ Wanda Maximoff’s Descent

Elizabeth Olsen gives a powerhouse performance as Wanda, now consumed by grief and corrupted by the Darkhold. Her arc – from Avenger to villain – is both tragic and terrifying.

Wanda’s justification feels eerily believable: she’s not trying to rule the world, just to be reunited with her children. But the destruction she leaves behind is massive.

Her final redemption attempt brings emotional closure… at least for now.

⚔️ Strange Variants and Visual Madness

The film introduces several alternate versions of Doctor Strange – each revealing different paths, regrets, and consequences:

• Defender Strange
• Sinister Strange
• Zombie Strange

Each variant adds depth to the character and explores the cost of power. Benedict Cumberbatch navigates these variations expertly, portraying strength, arrogance, guilt, and compassion all at once.

Visually, the movie is a feast: kaleidoscopic dimension shifts, universe-hopping transitions, and creative spell battles all keep your eyes glued to the screen.

🧭 New Faces: America Chavez

America Chavez is a standout newcomer. Played by Xochitl Gomez, she brings youthful energy, vulnerability, and power. Her arc from frightened fugitive to confident multiverse traveler is satisfying and lays the groundwork for future MCU roles.

Her unique ability – punching star-shaped portals between realities – adds both visual flair and narrative possibilities.

🎬 Direction, Score, and Style

Danny Elfman’s score blends orchestral weight with eerie motifs, perfectly supporting Raimi’s blend of superhero action and gothic horror.

Raimi’s direction is unmistakable: tilted camera angles, sudden cuts, and surreal imagery give this film a distinct personality compared to other Marvel entries.

It might not be for everyone – some viewers may find the horror elements jarring – but it’s a bold creative risk that mostly pays off.

👨‍👧‍👦 Our Family Viewing Take

This is one of the darker MCU films, and definitely not for younger kids. Some scenes (e.g. Wanda’s attacks, the Illuminati deaths) are intense and graphic. We’d recommend this one for teens and up.

That said, the themes of grief, responsibility, and redemption offer rich discussion topics for older children – especially when watching together with parents.

For Marvel-loving dads, this is a wild, genre-bending ride that deepens the lore and shows just how weird the MCU can get.

📌 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions