Film Review: Doctor Strange (2016)

All those who dreamed of a world where science is valued above all else have finally had their wishes granted four years ago. At least, that impression could be gained based on the fact that a group of people with impressive academic titles, interpreting scientific facts in their own way, had the power to keep billions of people under house arrest. And, of course, anyone who doubted the interpretation of these facts due to various reasons was deemed opposed to science and, as such, a subversive element that, if it not hanged the nearest lamppost, should at least be sent to a re-education camp. Therefore, it is conceivable that certain films should also be destroyed or at least confined to a deep bunker for similar heretical views. Such a fate could easily befall even some quite popular and successful films, including those from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. In its anti-scientific stance, few have stood out as much as 2016 film Doctor Strange.

The film's protagonist is Dr. Stephen Strange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), an exceptionally gifted neurosurgeon from New York whose spectacular successes at the operating table have made him wealthy and extremely arrogant. However, everything changes one night when he suffers a terrible car accident that will permanently damage his hands. Desperate to restart his career at any cost, Strange spends all his time and money in futile attempts to heal himself and, like many desperate individuals in similar situations, ultimately turns to alternative medicine. His journey takes him to Nepal, where he has heard of miraculous recoveries happening at a place called Kamar-Taj. Strange discovers that the place is run by a mysterious woman named the Ancient One (played by Tilda Swinton), who turns out to be a sorceress capable of not only travelling through different universes but also passing on her magical skills to her students. Motivated by the desire to acquire the skills needed for his healing, Strange is initially sceptical about mysticism or magic but ultimately accepts it. It soon becomes clear that this is the right decision as the planet is in danger from Kaecilius (played by Mads Mikkelsen), a former student of the Ancient One who seeks to open a portal to Earth on behalf of Dormammu, a deity from the Dark Dimension.

Doctor Strange was made at a time when Marvel and Disney already knew they had a cash cow on their hands, so they used the same formula that had brought success to previous films in the series. Thus, we once again have an origin story that occupies the first half of the plot and is far more interesting than the second half, in which the hero is forced to use his superhuman powers against an antagonist who is neither particularly original nor interesting. The script is rather weak and does not allow for much originality or deviation from the formula, although this cannot be entirely said for the final boss fight. What saves the film is primarily its excellent technical execution, which includes not particularly renowned director Scott Derrickson managing financial and technical resources very well; this is especially evident in fight scenes occurring simultaneously across several worlds and involving astral projections and dimension-bending moments that clearly pay homage to Nolan's Inception.

The same can be said for the cast, where the usually reliable Benedict Cumberbatch is overshadowed by Tilda Swinton, whose masterful performance as the mysterious and charismatic sorceress is one of the film's main assets but also a source of controversy related to alleged racist "whitewashing," referring to hiring a white actress for a character originally depicted as Tibetan in the comics. Chiwetel Ejiofor shines as Cumberbatch’s ally Mordo while Mikkelsen genuinely tries to make the most of what uninspired screenwriters left him with in his villain role. Always charming Rachel McAdams has fared poorly portraying a clichéd character as Strange's colleague and ex-girlfriend.

Despite this, Doctor Strange provides enough quality escapist entertainment in its just under two hours and can be recommended for viewing while it’s still possible.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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