When America Chavez (Xochitl Gomez) falls into our universe with a monster in pursuit Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) comes to her aid. When he learns that Chavez has the ability to traverse the multiverse he seeks out Wanda Maximoff’s (Elizabeth Olson) help in understanding who is pursuing this mysterious girl. 

In The Multiverse Of Madness is a Marvel film that requires some prior knowledge. WandaVision is essential, Spider-Man No Way Home is going to be very useful and the original Doctor Strange film and the animated TV show What If…? would definitely add to the viewing experience. Otherwise you will just have to go along for the ride. 

As with Spider-Man No Way Home there are quite a lot of facets of the plot that I will go no where near in regards to my comments. Suffice it to say that there are plenty of moments that will be enjoyed far more if you can somehow avoid spoilers before you get to see it. 

So what can I say? This is by far the most a Marvel film has pushed a 12A certificate. If your children are young or sensitive you might want to watch it yourself first to gauge if they will be waking up in the middle of the night. After Marvel parted ways with director Scott Derrickson who made the original Doctor Strange film they turned to Sam Raimi. Raimi is best known for his Tobey Maguire Spider-Man trilogy and his Evil Dead horror trilogy. And he was not afraid of letting out his dark side to the absolute limit the film certificate allows. 

Elsewhere the film pretty much does not let up in terms of its action. It opens as it intends to go on with a massive set piece battle and proceeds to keep you on the edge of your seat throughout. Two of my favourite stand out moments are a discordant musical fight and our heroes falling through multiple multiverses and the imagination of what all those universes could look like. 

The introduction of Chavez into the MCU is solid but she is only ever a foil for Cumberbatch and Olsen who are excellent as their multi shaded heroes. 

I have to admit to feeling a little exhausted by the end and also a little unsure of where this current phase of Marvel films is headed. But if you can stop yourself looking at the big picture there is a lot to enjoy in this film that stars two of the most interesting Marvel characters currently active in the MCU. 

As always, stay to the very end.