Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a triumphant return to the harsh, exhilarating world of the Mad Max franchise. Directed by George Miller, this prequel to Fury Road dives acts as an origin story of the Imperator Furiosa (played impeccably by Anya Taylor-Joy throughout) delivering a truly stunning array of action set pieces and an emotionally charged storyline.
The film traces the origins of Furiosa, exploring her transformation from a young captive to a relentless warrior. Taylor-Joy brings a fierce and wonderfully nuanced performance that captures both the vulnerability and strength of this fearless protagonist. Her journey is one of survival, empowerment, but mostly vengeance at any cost. It is the desperate cry of a child snatched from everything she knows and taken to a place where all hope has died.
Amongst the breathtaking arid landscapes so brilliantly depicted by Simon Duggan’s cinematography, Miller mixes in a fair bit of silliness and high camp to bring us a hugely entertaining, if not always coherent, prequel.
It’s often “edge of your seat” stuff thanks to some brilliantly immersive practical effects, combined with seamless CGI wizardry. Action scenes are a highlight, choreographed with the kind of inventive brutality that the franchise is known for. From intense car chases to one to one combat sequences, the action is often relentless, but the film is also often peppered by some brilliantly diverse performances throughout.
From Chris Hemsworth’s scenery-chewing, campy delivery as Dr. Dementus – a prophet-like self-aggrandising half wit who truly loves the sound of his own voice – to Tom Burke’s extraordinary turn as the self-effacing handsome loner Praetorian Jack, Furiosa delivers some truly exhilarating moments of hilariously over the top and brilliantly choreographed action set pieces.
This is an undeniably compelling addition to the Mad Max franchise. It successfully expands the universe, offering a deeper understanding of one of its most iconic characters. While it may not come even close to dethroning Fury Road as the best of Mad Max film, it still manages to deliver a powerful, action-packed narrative that is both visually stunning and emotionally stirring.
