WandaVision is completely different to anything we've seen in the MCU before. You've probably heard this, or something along those lines, a thousand times in the build-up to a new Marvel Studios release, but this time it happens to be true.
We often see Marvel movies praised for "taking risks" only to come away disappointed by the usual, formulaic superhero story with a few minor creative flourishes. But the studio does deserve a lot of credit for finally bringing something new to the table with this first Disney+ miniseries.
WandaVision doesn't just riff on sitcoms, it is a sitcom. The trailers gave us some idea of what to expect, of course, but it was generally assumed that we'd shift between what's going on in Westview and the "real world." While that will most likely happen later in the season, the first three episodes play out almost entirely in the idyllic reality our heroes find themselves in.
For the most part, the show maintains a light-hearted tone, with silly, slapstick humor, a laugh-track, and your typical contrived sitcom situations. But there always seems to be something more sinister bubbling just beneath the surface, and there are a couple of genuinely surreal, even creepy moments. One dinner table scene from the first episode actually gives off strong Lynchian vibes, calling to mind the filmmaker's bizarre 1977 debut, Eraserhead.
Elizabeth Olsen and Paul Bettany are terrific in the lead roles, taking full advantage of the opportunity to explore new facets of their generally quite reserved characters by channelling early sitcom stars such as Lucille Ball and Dick Van Dyke to delightful effect. Meanwhile, Kathryn Hahn and Teyonah Parris offer fine support as a pair of seemingly helpful neighbours (the latter's identity is not revealed right away) with a few secrets of their own.
While it's a pleasure to spend time with these guys in Westview, one could argue that the show leans into its premise a little too heavily.
Though we do get some intriguing hints as to what's going on, the lack of any big reveals may frustrate some, and those hoping for the type of fast-paced superhero action usually associated with Marvel's theatrical fare may not be as willing to embrace the show's quirky charm and deliberate pacing.
That doesn't mean we don't get any nods to the larger MCU, though, and without giving anything away, the conclusion to episode 3 does suggest that we won't have to wait much longer for some answers.
WandaVision is a truly unique experience, and will likely be seen as a breath of fresh air for anyone who may have been feeling a bit jaded by the Marvel formula. Whether it resonates with more casual viewers remains to be seen, but we are very much looking forward to finding out how deep the rabbit hole goes.