The phrase “what is grief, if not love persevering” encapsulates the emotional core of Marvel’s WandaVision. This Disney+ series, starring Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) and Vision, delves into the complexities of grief, loss, and mourning through a superhero lens. While seemingly a lighthearted sitcom initially, the show gradually reveals Wanda’s profound grief over Vision’s death, manifesting as a fabricated reality.
Wanda’s Journey Through Grief
Wanda’s experience mirrors the stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. The initial sitcom episodes reflect her denial, a cheerful facade masking deep pain. As the series progresses, her anger and frustration erupt, culminating in uncontrolled displays of power. Her desperate attempts to maintain the illusion represent bargaining, while periods of withdrawal showcase her depression. Finally, the series concludes with a heartbreaking acceptance of Vision’s death and the dismantling of her fabricated world.
Grief in the Marvel Cinematic Universe
WandaVision doesn’t limit its exploration of grief to Wanda. The series acknowledges the collective trauma resulting from Thanos’ “Snap,” which eradicated half of all life in the universe. Characters like Monica Rambeau grapple with the loss of loved ones during the five-year period between the Snap and the “Blip,” the reversal of Thanos’ actions. Monica’s return to a world without her mother underscores the devastating impact of sudden loss and the unique challenges of grieving without closure. Even Hayward, a seemingly callous antagonist, reveals his own pain and grief stemming from the Blip’s chaotic aftermath.
