It’s almost unimaginable that George Miller first burst onto the scene in 1979 with the debut of Mad Max, featuring Mel Gibson. Now, 45 years later, Miller’s fascination with his own groundbreaking creation shows no sign of waning. In 2015, he reignited the franchise with Mad Max: Fury Road, which has since been heralded as one of the finest action films of the last decade, thanks in large part to Charlize Theron’s electrifying portrayal of Furiosa. Today, the indefatigable filmmaker gifts us with an origin story for his fierce, one-armed female protagonist, in a film that manages to be both a standalone epic and a fittingly robust companion to Fury Road. One can’t help but wonder if Miller has plans for a double feature, seamlessly merging Furiosa and Fury Road into a six-hour cinematic extravaganza.
In Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, much has changed, yet the essence of the post-apocalyptic world is meticulously maintained. This return to Australia’s devastated landscapes promises to unravel the mystery behind Theron’s cryptic line about her mother dying on “the third day.” Unlike Fury Road, which unfolded over several days in a relentless, action-packed whirlwind, Furiosa spans a staggering 15 years, thoughtfully segmented into five gripping episodes that offer viewers the occasional pause to absorb the narrative.
The story kicks off with a young Furiosa, aged 10 and played by Alyla Browne, residing in the Green Place of Many Mothers. This rare oasis in the otherwise harsh, dystopian world of Mad Max quickly becomes anything but safe, as Furiosa is abducted by the menacing warlord Dementus, portrayed by Chris Hemsworth, alongside his horde of eerie bikers. Over the years, Furiosa, now in the clutches of Dementus and soon after, the tyrannical Immortan Joe (played by Lachy Hulme), must sharpen every survival skill she can muster. This period marks a significant transformation for her character, leading up to a breathtaking set-piece about an hour into the film, where Alyla Browne hands over the reins to Anya Taylor-Joy, who fully assumes the mantle of Furiosa as an adult warrior.
Caught in the crossfire of her two feuding oppressors, Furiosa eventually forms a fragile alliance with Praetorian Jack, the head of the war rig, played by Tom Burke. Burke’s character provides a sprinkle of emotional depth to the film, as his near-romantic relationship with Furiosa injects much-needed heart into the tale marked by relentless action and chaos. Unfortunately, their connection is short-lived but meaningful, adding layers of emotional texture amidst the otherwise ceaseless wreckage and burning rubber.
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As Furiosa hurtles towards her inevitable showdown with Dementus, which neatly dovetails into the events leading up to Fury Road, the narrative maintains an addictive momentum. Minimal dialogue is employed, but Anya Taylor-Joy’s expressive eyes—glinting with indignation and determination against her oil-smudged forehead—eloquently convey a spectrum of deep-seated emotions. Much will likely be said about the film’s focus on extreme close-ups of her face, but Taylor-Joy also rises to the formidable physical challenges of the role, her sinewy form carrying as much narrative weight as her emotive eyes.
While Taylor-Joy impresses, Hemsworth unequivocally emerges as the scene-stealer in what is arguably a career-defining performance. Daringly cast against type, he brings an irresistibly charismatic and comically sinister energy to the role of Dementus. His transformation, complete with an odd prosthetic nose and a distinctive accent, echoes his underrated performance in Bad Times at the El Royale, but with an added layer of malevolent grandeur. His portrayal of the tragic yet horrifyingly compelling warlord, riding a bizarre chariot-bike, captivates every moment he’s on screen, cementing his place as one of the standout movie villains of this era.
George Miller’s casting choices further exemplify his directorial brilliance. Tom Burke’s Praetorian Jack is perfectly crafted, while Alyla Browne’s youthful incarnation of Furiosa sets a strong foundation for Taylor-Joy to build upon. The film is peppered with an array of colorful supporting characters, each adding depth and vibrancy to Miller’s manic world. Audiences are also treated to a series of hyper-kinetic fights, awe-inspiring stunts, and breathtaking visual effects—most notably a frenzied three-day chase across the desert, which stands out as a highlight.
So, how does one follow up what’s widely considered the pinnacle of action filmmaking in the last ten years? George Miller shows us how with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, reminding fans why this franchise reigns supreme in the action genre. Catch this roller-coaster of a prequel in theaters now, and see for yourself the spectacular unfolding of Furiosa’s backstory. Oh, what a day. What a lovely day.
