Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is a 2022 American superhero film, the 28th installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a sequel to the 2016 film "Doctor Strange." Directed by Sam Raimi, the film sees Dr. Stephen Strange protect America Chavez, a teenager with the ability to travel the multiverse, from the Scarlet Witch (Wanda Maximoff). The movie blends action-adventure with significant horror elements, marking a darker tone for the MCU. It explores themes of loss, sacrifice, and the consequences of wielding immense power, as Strange confronts alternate realities and formidable threats. The film received a PG-13 rating and is generally considered suitable for older teenagers and adults due to its intense violence, frightening imagery, and complex themes.
Concerns
Violence
HighThe film contains frequent and intense sequences of violence, including graphic depictions of death and dismemberment, supernatural attacks, and a significant body count. The horror elements contribute to the heightened intensity of the violence.
Wanda Maximoff, as the Scarlet Witch, ruthlessly attacks Kamar-Taj, killing many sorcerers. She graphically eliminates members of the Illuminati: Black Bolt's mouth is sealed shut causing his head to explode when he attempts to speak, Reed Richards is 'spaghettified' into ribbons, Captain Marvel (Maria Rambeau) is crushed by a falling statue, and Captain Carter is bisected by her own shield.
Witchcraft & Occult
HighWitchcraft and occult themes are central to the film's plot and character development. The use of dark magic, demonic entities, ancient spellbooks like the Darkhold, and various magical rituals are prominently featured.
Wanda Maximoff becomes corrupted by the Darkhold, a 'cursed book' or 'Book of the Damned' whose spells were etched by the 'first demon,' Chthon. Wanda performs a 'black magic ritual' while sitting in a circle of candles. Doctor Strange uses the forbidden act of 'dreamwalking' into the corpse of a deceased alternate version of himself to confront Wanda, resulting in him developing a 'third eye'.
Scary & Intense Content
HighThe movie heavily incorporates elements of the horror genre, featuring frequent jump scares, disturbing imagery, grotesque creatures, and a genuinely terrifying villain. This makes it significantly scarier and more intense than previous MCU films.
The film is noted for its 'frequent jump scares and scenes of peril,' with characters pursued by 'supernatural entities and monsters.' The Scarlet Witch acts as a relentless, monstrous antagonist, and Doctor Strange utilizes a reanimated 'Zombie Doctor Strange' in a prominent sequence.
Anti-Christian Themes
HighThe film's extensive focus on sorcery, black magic, and demonic entities, particularly the Darkhold and the 'first demon' Chthon, may be perceived as conflicting with Christian beliefs. Some Christian analyses categorize the film's portrayal of 'good' and 'bad' magic as problematic.
The narrative heavily features Wanda's use of the Darkhold, referred to as the 'Book of the Damned,' created by the 'first demon,' Chthon, to achieve her goals. Christian review outlets have highlighted the film's distinction between Doctor Strange's 'sorcery' and Wanda's 'witchcraft,' suggesting a message that 'not all witchcraft is bad,' which is a concept that may clash with Christian perspectives.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
MediumThe film features America Chavez, a canonically lesbian character from the comics, and briefly references her two mothers. While her sexual orientation is not a central plot point, these elements led to the film being banned in some international markets. The representation is subtle rather than explicit.
America Chavez wears a jacket with a subtle LGBTQ+ flag pin in promotional materials and in the film, and the phrase 'Amor es amor es amor' ('love is love is love') is visible on her jacket. A brief flashback scene depicts America Chavez with her two mothers, who are seen passing each other flowers before being lost to a multiversal incident, a sequence reportedly lasting 'barely 12 seconds'.
Profanity
MediumThe movie includes infrequent uses of mild coarse language, specifically noted to include 'scatological profanity' and 'terms of deity.' The language does not go beyond typical PG-13 film standards.
Parental review sites report 'three uses of scatological profanity' and 'infrequent uses of mild cursing and terms of deity.' Specific examples of coarse language heard include 'crap' and 'ass'.
Substance Use
MediumThe film depicts social drinking among adult characters and a scene where characters are unknowingly drugged. There is no glamorization of heavy or illegal drug use.
Adult characters are seen drinking martinis and wine socially at Christine Palmer's wedding reception and in a bar setting. Doctor Strange and America Chavez are drugged by a substance in their tea, causing them to pass out and be captured.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic themes are present, primarily revolving around Doctor Strange's unrequited love for Christine Palmer across multiple universes. However, the film contains no explicit sexual acts, graphic nudity, or overt sexual references.
Doctor Strange attends the wedding of his former love interest, Christine Palmer, and expresses his lingering feelings, stating he is 'still clearly in love' with her. Doctor Strange is shown shirtless in one or two scenes.
Disrespect & Rebellion
LowWhile characters display defiance against antagonists, there is no significant portrayal of disrespect towards legitimate authority figures or rebellious behavior as a positive theme. The primary 'rebellion' comes from the villain's actions.
America Chavez initially runs from her powers and struggles with trust, but ultimately learns to embrace her abilities and rely on others rather than exhibiting disrespectful or rebellious behavior. Wanda Maximoff's actions are in direct defiance of the established order of sorcerers and the multiverse, driven by her grief, positioning her as the film's antagonist rather than a figure of 'rebellion' in a positive or 'snarky' sense.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Recommended for ages 13+ due to intense sequences of violence and action, frightening images, strong occult themes, and some language. Younger viewers may find the horror elements and graphic depictions of death disturbing.
Additional Notes
The film's runtime is 126 minutes. The director, Sam Raimi, incorporated strong horror genre elements into the movie, distinguishing it from prior MCU installments. There is no information suggesting significant differences in content warnings or age ratings across theatrical, extended, or director's cuts.
Related Reviews
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