Origin stories always fall into the same, boring patterns: a quirky—often unpopular—person has power fall into their laps, a villain arrives, and the villain is defeated. Lessons are learned and a hero is born, most likely with a romance brewing in the background. However, it seems like Hollywood is changing it up and with great results.

Doctor Strange recently hit theaters and its spectacular effects aren’t the only thing that attracted the masses. The story follows Doctor Stephen Strange, a neurosurgeon, who gets into a tragic car accident that leaves his hands in ruins. He travels to a group of magic practitioners who set him on the path to becoming a bone-ified wizard.

Predictably, this is a CGI fest. How could it not be with magic involved? The kaleidoscope effects of the magic blend seamlessly with the real world. The effects are realistic and mystical at the same time, the shifting planes and the cinematography beautiful. It is a stunning contrasting to the rigid “magic” we’ve seen so far in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, or MCU. The wide shots give a great view of the breathtaking CGI designs and witness every battle scene from every angle.

The story itself is quite the treat. Origin stories these days, such as “The Amazing Spiderman” or “The Incredible Hulk,” don’t seem to have factors that set them apart. However, this one is unique. Strange’s newfound disability with his hands forces him to seek power rather than having power thrust upon him. He is far from the social outcast heroes normally start as. He is quite popular at his workplace, with many of the doctors seeking out his opinion. He has no flaw to isolate him but his own arrogance.

Benedict Cumberbatch is exquisite as the title character. With his sense of self importance and detachment to his work and people in general, Strange is one of the hardest characters to like in the MCU—and that’s not taking his glaring ego into account. However, Cumberbatch is able to show off Strange’s arrogance while hinting that there is more to this seemingly one dimensional man. As the story goes on, he allows Strange’s hidden selflessness and compassion to rise to the surface, giving his own arc an amazing shift and making the character go from unlikeable to lovable (with a sense of humor that could put even Tony Stark to shame. And that’s saying something).

Tilda Swinton’s performance as the Ancient One, the leader of the magical group Strange joins, keeps the audience guessing and shows the duality of the character with ease. Chiwetel Ejiofor as Mordo, the Ancient One’s most loyal disciple, is steadfast and consistent, showing the character’s unwavering morals and how they may lead him down the wrong path later on.

In short, all of the acting in this film is simply astounding. The characters draw audiences in with seemingly no effort at all and leave viewers immensely satisfied.

Even the layout of the story is entirely different from other origin stories. The movie opens with an explosive battle between two magical parties, The Ancient One and the antagonist. Magical spells, changing levels of gravity, and acrobatics in the heart of London then give way to Strange operating on patients in New York, with all the hallmarks of a medical drama. This juxtaposition works, showing Strange right in his element rather than at a low point as other origins introduce their main character.

The tension throughout the film is palpable. The many locations throughout the film compound conflict and the score built up every moment. With every blow, large swells and quick percussion seems to follow, giving each fight the gravity it needed.

Overall, this movie is another smash hit for Marvel. It will leave audiences amazed and give Marvel fans yet another thing to squeal about. With the addition of magic in the MCU, things are about to get much more interesting. Especially when you realize that Tony Stark is going to meet the good Doctor soon.