The hit Marvel show gives students a real positive experience at a time when they most need it
Ryerson students are watching the Disney+ Marvel series WandaVision as a way of alleviating the isolation created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and are having an extremely positive experience.
WandaVision follows the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, where Wanda Maximoff’s (Elizabeth Olsen) husband Vision (Paul Bettany) dies and Wanda is devastated and leaves the universe.
The series examines how Wanda deals with her grief, loss and sadness. Wanda’s emotions are hidden through the creation of an idealistic perfect life.
Ashan Mahendran, a third-year graphic communication management student, said that WandaVision is slow-paced and draws him in through the use of its filmmaking techniques.
As an MCU fan, Mahendran enjoys unpacking the easter eggs, including the cryptic commercial breaks, that are scattered throughout the episodes.
“WandaVision keeps me engaged and tuned in,” said Mahendran.
Kristen Svitich, a third-year journalism student who also enjoys WandaVision, has had a positive experience following the series. She especially likes the cinematography, the use of the lighting and the special effects.
Svitich said that she looks forward to every episode because each one reveals more insights about the characters.
“I think that WandaVision is probably tailored to people who love Marvel and who watch it because they want to get that extra background,” said Svitich.
Before the series goes on to reveal darker undertones, it begins with light and fun imitations of popular sitcoms from the 1950s and 1960s.
As Svitich points out, the younger generation did not grow up watching Bewitched, The Dick Van Dyke Show, I Love Lucy or The Brady Bunch. However, the older generation will likely recognize the sets, the acting and the parodies immediately.
Svitivh feels that the imitation of the sitcoms builds a bridge over which younger and older generations can make meaningful connections discussing the episodes.
Another way Svitich interacts with WandaVision is with her boyfriend. The couple talk over FaceTimeabout the series, predicting what will come next.
“It is a nice way to connect with my boyfriend even though we’re far apart,” she said.
