Grief and Empowerment in WandaVision:

Complex and detailed stories are what Marvel has been associated with across its long and esteemed history. These traits are now finding their way onto the big screen across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with WandaVision being the latest project that dives into a story that deals with real life feelings. With Marvel stories focusing on the person under the costume, the opportunity to empower there audience is at their disposal. We have seen this in Black Panther, which helped tackle racial issues in society.

WandaVision while tackling serious issues such as Depression and Grief has also empowered viewers with the focus on leading women characters. Wanda (Elizabeth Olsen), Monica (Teyonah Paris) and villain Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn) have been the stars of the show and every encounter they have with each other feels epic and a must watch. Still, with 2 episodes left in the series it is likely those moments of strong women fighting against each will be the major takeaways from the show.

Conflicting Responses to Grief:

It goes without question that grief is the main theme of the series. Normally shows focus on the main character highlighting their issues as the main focus. However, WandaVision looks at the constant theme of grief from two angles. We get to see how Wanda and Monica both deal with their grief and how they act about it. This makes the story more complex and allows for viewers to see different sides to what grief causes. As well as this showing a different point of view has allowed for the audience to make their own decision about characters because we are not forced to accept one view on grief.

Grief changes depending on the person which is why exploring how Wanda and Monica deal with theirs has made the story engaging. Wanda is depressed and wants everything in her life to stop causing her pain. This is one of the most common responses of grief but for some people the passing of a loved one causes a motivation in them. It’s clear that Monica wants to make her mother proud and her work is how she can achieve this. How Wanda and Monica deal with their grief is completely different which is why the show has viewers engaged.

Empowering an Audience:

Another major aspect of what makes WandaVision so engaging is how the female characters are made to feel like the badass heroes and villains that traditionally have been portrayed by the men. There hasn’t been many times in the MCU where women are presented like a boss without being made to feel below the starring male. WandaVision flips this and presents the women as the stars, but it does it in a way that feels completely natural. Nobody is watching WandaVision and thinking it’s a female remake of a superhero story, instead fans are watching and thinking about the characters and plot like they would do for any movie or show.

In my opinion WandaVision being able to make the women characters the stars in a male dominated genre without it feeling forced is impressive. Being able to do this will have a great impact on society for years to come. While watching WandaVision subconsciously we are teaching ourselves that women can be just as strong and complex as the male heroes. This can then translate to society and improve how everyday people view women.

Review:

WandaVision has once again proven why the Marvel Cinematic Universe is the biggest franchise in the world. After the biggest movie in history, Avengers: Endgame Marvel has been able to continue its trademark of focusing on characters stories. We are seeing an exploration into grief while also empowering women. Marvel being able to blend stories together like this while making everything feel so natural is why the studio is successful and is why WandaVision has been delivering for fans.

Images:

Disney+

Marvel Studios