It’s remarkable to reflect that George Miller made his directorial debut in 1979 with the first Mad Max film, featuring a young Mel Gibson. Fast forward 45 years, and Miller remains passionately enthralled with his groundbreaking creation, diving deep once more into the tumultuous world of Mad Max. His latest cinematic venture, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, serves as a riveting testament to his enduring dedication and creative prowess.
In 2015, Miller revitalized the Mad Max franchise with Fury Road, a film widely considered the preeminent action movie of the last decade. Charlize Theron’s unforgettable portrayal of Furiosa played a significant role in that film’s triumph. Miller now treats fans to an origin story for Furiosa, delivering a thrilling epic that stands as both a standalone adventure and an exquisite companion piece to Fury Road. One could even envision Miller splicing Furiosa and Fury Road together for an unparalleled six-hour cinematic experience.
The narrative of Furiosa diverges significantly from Fury Road, though the two films are intrinsically connected. Once again, audiences are plunged into Australia’s desolate post-apocalyptic wastelands to unravel the enigmatic past of Furiosa. Fans will recall Theron’s Furiosa mentioning that her “mother died on the third day”—where Fury Road spanned just a few unrelenting days, Furiosa unfolds over 15 years. This extended timeline is broken into five intense chapters, allowing for moments of reflection amidst the action.
Our first glimpse of Furiosa, portrayed by Alyla Browne as a 10-year-old, is set in the Green Place of Many Mothers. This idyllic haven contrasts sharply with the harsh, dystopian world of Mad Max. The tranquility is shattered when the young Furiosa is abducted by the formidable warlord Dementus, played with ferocious zeal by Chris Hemsworth. Dementus, along with his marauding band of bikers, plunges Furiosa into a firestorm of chaos.
As Furiosa grows, she is forced to acquire every conceivable skill to navigate the anarchic landscape. Her eventual encounters with the Citadel and Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme) thrust her into their brutal service. Approximately an hour into the film, Browne seamlessly hands over the reins to Anya Taylor-Joy, who takes on the role of an adolescent Furiosa during a breathtaking, full-throttle action sequence that marks her emergence as a formidable warrior.
Amidst this tumultuous environment, Furiosa forms an unexpected bond with Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke), the head of the war rig.
. Their almost-friendship and fleeting romance inject a much-needed dose of humanity and warmth into the film’s relentless pace. However, the relationship is tragically short-lived. The narrative then propels Furiosa toward an inevitable and explosive showdown with Dementus, setting the stage for the events of Fury Road.
Dialogue is sparse, yet the incredibly talented Taylor-Joy conveys Furiosa’s inner turmoil and fierce resolve through her expressive eyes, which vividly stand out against her oil-darkened face. Taylor-Joy’s performance will undoubtedly be scrutinized and lauded for her ability to communicate profound emotions through subtle expressions and sheer physicality.
Despite Taylor-Joy’s remarkable portrayal, it’s Chris Hemsworth who truly shines in what is arguably a career-defining performance. Cast against his typical heroic type, Hemsworth delivers a chillingly charismatic and darkly humorous turn as the maniacal Dementus. With his distinctive prosthetic nose and a curious accent, Hemsworth’s embodiment of this deranged villain steals every scene, cementing his status as one of contemporary cinema’s most memorable antagonists.
Miller’s talent for casting the right actors extends across the board. Tom Burke gives a nuanced performance as Praetorian Jack, and Alyla Browne impresses as the young Furiosa. The supporting cast, populated with a host of colorful and eccentric characters, enriches the film’s vibrant world. The action sequences are nothing short of spectacular, with mind-bending stunts and visual effects that push the envelope of what cinema can achieve. A three-day whirlwind chase across the arid desert stands out as an extraordinary highlight.
In the face of following what has been hailed as the greatest action film of the last decade, Miller’s approach with Furiosa is both masterful and audacious. Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga does more than just meet expectations—it reinvents them, delivering a cinematic experience that is visceral, poignant, and utterly exhilarating.
Oh, what a day. What a lovely day.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is currently captivating audiences in theaters worldwide.
