Dr. Strange and the Marvelous Michelle Yeoh (2 of 2)

Awesome sauce by James Jean

The very idea of a multiverse is fascinating. Imagine that versions of yourself are scattered out there in different universes living another reality that is different from yours yet somehow, a thread binds you with your many selves. It makes me think that life can be forever. I have been toying with that idea of immortality. Strangely enough, I feel comforted by just thinking about it.

This is how the Daniels presented Evelyn's experience of the multiverse in Everything Everywhere All At Once (EEAO). They have kept this canon, I think, if I go as far back into the many uses of the multiverse in comic books, literature, TV series and movies. 

If Dr. Strange and Scarlet Witch sought to fight evil and reconcile or defeat their own demons in the multiverse, Evelyn's journey into and out of the multiverse was one of acceptance and redemption. What makes her journey illumiating is the use of intertextuality as storytelling. The Daniels borrowed scences, clips, ideas and concepts from many revered works of cinema, layered these into a narrative that perfectly depicts the many facets and possibilities of life and death in the multiverse as seen in Evelyn's story.

Michelle Yeoh delivers a powerful performance. She is very consistent at essaying the premise of the many realities but one common thread across the multiverses. Her interactions with her father, daughter and husband in whatever universe is delivered with nuanced acting there really is no need for long dialogues. At one point in the movie where Evelyn cast a look of longing at Waymond, I wanted to shout, "Oh, Evelyn! I know. I do know!" 

The irreverence in many scenes is funny, sensitive and profound. How can rocks think and reflect on the big ideas of the cosmos and yet, reach out so intimately to each other in its quiet way if being?  Suddenly, I remembered Min Yoongi, every ARMYs' dear SUGA, who once said he wishes to be a rock in his next life. Now that makes sense!

 

The rest of the cast is fantastic too. Jamie Lee Curtis. Ke Huy Quan. Stephanie Hsu and James Hong are all excellent in conveying the complexity of the multiverse. In the end, amidst the struggles in one's personal life and the goal of saving the entire universe, whoever we are and whatever we do one constant thing remains according to Waymond, Evelyn's husband. 

Be kind - which is not an easy thing to do but it is an essential component of human evolution. And for this, EEAO is a gem. It is a movie I didn't think I needed.

DSMM - 4/5 stars

EEAO - 5/5 stars