Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) is back in the sequel to 2016’s Doctor Strange. Following the events of Spider-Man: No Way Home, Strange is dealing with the repercussions of opening the multiverse. Leaning on Wong (Benedict Wong), Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and newcomer America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez), he soon realizes these alternate universes are stronger than anybody could have imagined.

My expectations going into the Multiverse of Madness were low. I wasn’t a fan of Strange’s origin movie and therefore wasn’t too sure how I’d feel this time around. But when I found out that Wanda had a large role, I had a feeling it would be well worth it for me.

This instalment of the MCU is different than the others. It felt darker, gorier and like the stakes were a million times higher. I really appreciated the direction in which Sam Raimi took the movie in. At times, I forgot I was watching Marvel as I was so engrossed with what was unfolding on the screen.

Benedict Cumberbatch’s Stephen Strange was more charming than I remembered him to be. He further grew on me as the titular character this time around. Although her introduction was rushed, I liked the addition of America. Her chemistry with Strange and Wong was enjoyable to watch and I hope we see more of her in the future. It was also a pleasure to have more of Rachel McAdams as Christine. She’s always a joy to watch and I feel like we don’t see her enough. However, Wanda aka Scarlet Witch was the standout. Already captivated by her story in WandaVision, we saw her in a completely new light that was both terrifying and heartbreaking at the same time. Just give Elizabeth Olsen all the awards already.

I have to say that I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. It allowed me to embark on a journey full of crazy twists and turns that, quite frankly, I never wanted it to end. I can only imagine where this phase will go next!

Rating: ♥♥♥♥