Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness arrived with immense anticipation, following the success of the first film and promising a thrilling expansion of the MCU. However, the final product feels like a narrative misstep, squandering the potential of its talented cast amidst a chaotic plot and excessive CGI. Fans, particularly those who cherished the original Doctor Strange, may find this sequel a significant letdown.
One of the core issues lies in the film’s dependence on external narratives. To fully grasp the motivations of the central antagonist, a viewer is almost required to have watched the Disney+ series Wandavision. While Elizabeth Olsen delivers a powerful performance as Wanda Maximoff/Scarlet Witch, the script assumes a level of familiarity that alienates audience members who haven’t kept up with every corner of the MCU. Even for those who did watch Wandavision, the crucial details may have faded, leaving her character arc feeling underdeveloped within this film itself. The focus unfortunately shifts from Doctor Strange, portrayed once again by Benedict Cumberbatch, to Wanda, disrupting the expected narrative trajectory.
Furthermore, the subplot involving Doctor Strange’s former love interest feels emotionally hollow. Their relationship, briefly touched upon in the previous movie, lacks the necessary depth to resonate in this sequel. The film introduces a teenage sidekick, a character archetype becoming increasingly common in Phase IV of the MCU. While intended to add a fresh dynamic, this character unfortunately falls into the trope of being a mere plot device rather than a fully realized individual with a distinct personality. The talented young actress in the role is given little to work with, highlighting a broader issue of character underdevelopment.
Adding to the sense of narrative fragmentation are the random cameos from various Marvel properties. These moments of fan service, while initially exciting, are beginning to feel like the primary justification for the multiverse concept itself. The cameos overshadow the core cast and story, suggesting a reliance on fleeting moments of recognition over substantial plot and character development.
Ultimately, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, despite featuring a strong cast including Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Olsen, joins a growing list of recent Marvel films that prioritize CGI spectacle and fan service over compelling storytelling. Black Widow, Eternals, and Shang-Chi, while visually impressive at times, have similarly suffered from uninspired narratives. Perhaps it is time for the MCU to take a step back, allowing audiences to rediscover their appetite for superhero stories after a period of oversaturation. A break might be necessary to allow for a creative reboot focused on character-driven narratives rather than relying on interconnected universes and momentary thrills.
