Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness
After the events of Avengers: Endgame, Dr. Stephen Strange continues his research on the Time Stone. But an old friend turned enemy seeks to destroy every sorcerer on Earth, messing with Strange's plan, causing him to unleash an unspeakable evil
Despite a enormous budget of $290.0M, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness became a solid performer, earning $955.8M worldwide—a 230% return. This commercial performance validated the ambitious narrative scope, proving that audiences embrace unique voice even at blockbuster scale.
10 wins & 28 nominations
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness (2022) exhibits carefully calibrated dramatic framework, characteristic of Sam Raimi's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 12-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 2 hours and 6 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 6.9, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 2 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Strange attends Christine's wedding alone, watching his former love marry another man. He's accomplished but isolated, haunted by choices made in previous films.. The analysis reveals that this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 16 minutes when America reveals someone is hunting her across universes for her power. Strange finds the corpse of another version of himself, forcing him to confront the multiverse and his variants.. At 13% through the film, this Disruption is delayed, allowing extended setup of the story world. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 32 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 25% of the runtime. This shows the protagonist's commitment to Strange and America escape through a multiverse portal as Wanda destroys Kamar-Taj. Strange makes the active choice to journey into the multiverse to find answers and protect America., moving from reaction to action.
At 63 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 50% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Significantly, this crucial beat Wanda dreamwalks into Earth-838 and brutally kills the Illuminati. False defeat: the greatest heroes fall, showing Wanda's unstoppable power and Strange's vulnerability., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 95 minutes (75% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Sinister Strange dies, and Strange realizes every version of himself is doomed by his need to control. Wanda captures America. Strange is powerless, alone in a dead universe., demonstrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Synthesis at 101 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 80% of the runtime. Strange possesses his corpse variant to reach Wanda's castle. He tells America to believe in herself. America unlocks her power, showing Wanda her children's fear. Wanda destroys the Darkhold in all universes, sacrificing herself., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 12 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs proven narrative structure principles that track dramatic progression. By mapping Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness against these established plot points, we can identify how Sam Raimi utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness within the action genre.
Sam Raimi's Structural Approach
Among the 12 Sam Raimi films analyzed on Arcplot, the average structural score is 7.1, reflecting strong command of classical structure. Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness takes a more unconventional approach compared to the director's typical style. For comparative analysis, explore the complete Sam Raimi filmography.
Comparative Analysis
Additional action films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid. For more Sam Raimi analyses, see The Evil Dead, Spider-Man 2 and Army of Darkness.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Strange attends Christine's wedding alone, watching his former love marry another man. He's accomplished but isolated, haunted by choices made in previous films.
Theme
Christine asks Strange if he's happy, suggesting "It doesn't have to be like this." Theme: controlling outcomes versus accepting happiness.
Worldbuilding
Strange's post-Blip life is established: respected but lonely, still processing loss. America Chavez appears being chased by a demon. Strange and Wong fight to protect her, learning about the multiverse threat.
Disruption
America reveals someone is hunting her across universes for her power. Strange finds the corpse of another version of himself, forcing him to confront the multiverse and his variants.
Resistance
Strange seeks help from Wanda, hoping she knows about the Darkhold. He discovers she's the threat hunting America. Wong and Strange debate how to protect America as Wanda attacks Kamar-Taj.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Strange and America escape through a multiverse portal as Wanda destroys Kamar-Taj. Strange makes the active choice to journey into the multiverse to find answers and protect America.
Premise
The fun multiverse exploration: Strange and America traverse realities, meet the Illuminati, discover other Strange variants. Strange learns his variants often become corrupted by power and control.
Midpoint
Wanda dreamwalks into Earth-838 and brutally kills the Illuminati. False defeat: the greatest heroes fall, showing Wanda's unstoppable power and Strange's vulnerability.
Opposition
Wanda pursues them relentlessly. Strange and America flee through universes. Strange confronts a corrupted variant (Sinister Strange) and faces the truth: his need for control destroys everything.
Collapse
Sinister Strange dies, and Strange realizes every version of himself is doomed by his need to control. Wanda captures America. Strange is powerless, alone in a dead universe.
Crisis
Strange faces his darkest moment in the ruins. Christine-838 tells him he must trust America instead of controlling the outcome. He processes what it means to let go.
Act III
ResolutionSynthesis
Strange possesses his corpse variant to reach Wanda's castle. He tells America to believe in herself. America unlocks her power, showing Wanda her children's fear. Wanda destroys the Darkhold in all universes, sacrificing herself.