Is 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' the First Horror Film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Why it breaks the norm and delves into horror elements unused in other MCU films

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is known for its blend of action, adventure, and superhero antics. However, 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' ventures into uncharted territory, adopting several horror elements that set it apart from other films in the series. In this article, we explore why it might be considered the first horror film in the MCU.

Horror Elements

The film incorporates classic horror elements such as jump scares, suspenseful sequences, and a darker tone. Sam Raimi, who directed the film, has a well-known background in the horror genre, having created iconic works like Evil Dead in the 1980s. This experience has undoubtedly influenced his approach to directing 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.'

Themes of Fear and Trauma

The narrative explores themes of fears and trauma, similar to the approach in horror storytelling. Characters face both psychological and supernatural threats that heighten tension and emotional stakes. For instance, Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) face moral ambiguities and struggles with power loss, which are recurrent themes in horror narratives.

Supernatural Beings

The film features supernatural entities and a multiverse filled with dark dimensions, aligning with horror conventions. This includes Professor X's mind scene, the one-eyed monster, and a zombie Strange. These elements add a layer of existential dread and otherworldly threat to the story.

Visual Style

Raimi's signature visual techniques include distorted camera angles, unsettling imagery, and creative use of lighting. This contributes to a horror-like atmosphere, making 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' stand out from other MCU entries.

Character Arcs

The film delves into the darker aspects of its characters, particularly Doctor Strange and Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch). Their struggles with power loss and moral ambiguity mirror the themes often explored in horror narratives. These character arcs add depth to the story and contribute to the overall horror experience.

Additional Horror Elements

Because it is sort of, let's break down the horror elements more specifically:

Body Horror

There's a dead body on the verge of decomposition that is briefly and disgustingly shown. This scene exemplifies body horror, a subgenre within horror that focuses on the unnaturalness and grotesqueness of the body.

Zombie Horror

Doctor Strange's transformation into a zombie is a chilling didactic that adds a horror element to the narrative. His undead state adds to the sense of fear and dread, enhancing the overall horror experience.

Monster Horror

The one-eyed monster is a clear monster horror element, adding to the film's eerie atmosphere. Its appearance heightens tension and maintains the horror tone of the movie.

Jump-Scares and Suspense

The Wanda walk during the mirror scene and the underground tunnel scene are moments that include jump scares. These scenes are designed to elicit fear and keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Supernatural Horror

The professor X's mind scene is a clear example of supernatural horror. The haunting and terrifying vision creates a sense of the unknown and the otherworldly, which are key components of the horror genre.

Sci-Fi Horror

Movies consisting of parallel universes generally fall into this category, and 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' fits this description. The concept of traversing between dimensions and encountering supernatural beings adds to the science fiction-horror hybrid.

Conclusion

While 'Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness' remains quintessentially a Marvel film, it successfully integrates several horror elements that set it apart from the norm. Its darker tone, existential dread, and explosive visual style make it a unique entry in the MCU. Sam Raimi's horror background has undoubtedly contributed to this cinematic blend, making it a favorite among fans who appreciate the genre.

Is it the first horror film in the MCU? The answer is subjective, but it certainly delivers more horror than it does superhero action. Enjoy the ride if you are a fan of both horror and superhero narratives.