Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness begins with an intense chase scene, as a Strange Variant (Benedict Cumberbatch) and new MCU hero America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) attempt to escape the clutches of a demonic creature. Just a few minutes later, we find ourselves in another set piece involving Gargantos, and from there, we're a hop, skip and a jump away from am all-out assault on Kamar-Taj.
It's... a lot. All of these sequences are exciting and well-crafted on their own, but coming one after the other in such quick succession makes the head spin, and it feels like the movie is rushing to cover all of its bases while leaving scant room for characterization. Director Sam Raimi does steady the ship to an extent once certain events occur, but the breakneck pace remains for the most part, often at the expense of the story (and a first act).
Fortunately, the filmmaker also brings much more of his signature style and horror sensibilities to the film than we expected, and the sheer audacity of what plays out on screen ultimately pummels you into submission.
We catch up with the (former) Sorcerer Supreme as he struggles to move on from his relationship with Christine Palmer (Rachel McAdams) and is plagued by nightmares involving a mysterious teenager with the power to traverse the Multiverse. When said teen (Gomez) shows up and reveals that she's being pursued by a demon who wants to steal her abilities, Wong (Benedict Wong) decides to take her to Kamar-Taj, while Strange pays a visit to an old friend with knowledge of the dark arts.
Unfortunately for all involved, The Scarlet Witch (Elizabeth Olsen) has continued to use the Darkhold since we last saw her in WandaVision, and is determined to find her children again - at any cost.
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