Cosy horror for dark nights

Same nightmares. Different stories.

Film · 2022

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness

Stephen Strange must protect a teenager with the power to jump between universes from the Scarlet Witch.

Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, an After Dark title card
Year
2022
Directed by
Sam Raimi
Starring
Benedict Cumberbatch, Benedict Wong, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Elizabeth Olsen, Rachel McAdams, Xochitl Gomez, Michael Stuhlbarg, Patrick Stewart
Running time
126 minutes
Country
United States
Original language
English
Kind of horror
Cosmic, Psychological

Stephen Strange takes on protecting America Chavez, a teenager who can slip between universes whether she means to or not, when someone far more dangerous starts hunting her for that gift. That someone is the Scarlet Witch, and once you understand what she is after, every door Strange opens becomes a gamble.

The fear here is the cosmic sort, worlds bending and doubling until you are not quite sure which version of anyone is real. It never fully tips into nightmare territory, more a held breath than a scream, but there are moments that will make you glad of the lamp being on.

This is one for a night when you fancy spectacle with your unease, something to watch with the sound up and a blanket close by. If multiverse stories make your head spin a little, that is rather the point; the not knowing is where the tension lives.

Whatever world you land in, keep the kettle on. Some doors are better left shut.

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