‘Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga’ Is A Rip-Roaring Return To The Wasteland – Review

“However long it takes, promise you’ll find your way home.” –Mary Jabassa

Director George Miller skillfully transports us back into the Wasteland with Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, a prequel to his 2015 masterpiece, Mad Max: Fury Road. This time, Miller plunges into the mysterious origins of Imperator Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy, previously portrayed by Charlize Theron in Fury Road), a character who held us spellbound with her grit and resolve, leaving us on the edge of our seats, yearning to unravel the events that molded her.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga embarks on a unique narrative in the desolate landscape of post-apocalyptic Australia. It takes us on a quest to the Green Place of Many Mothers, the last sanctuary of water and agriculture. Here, a young and determined Furiosa (Alyla Browne) dares to challenge the raiders, only to be captured. Her mother, Mary (Charlee Fraser), sets out on a perilous journey to rescue her daughter, driven by a mother’s unwavering love. This distinct plotline not only sets the stage for a thrilling adventure but also delves into the depths of human emotions, fostering a strong sense of connection and empathy with the characters, making their struggles and triumphs feel personal to the audience.

Anya Taylor-Joy as Furiosa in *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga*. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Miller’s mastery of suspense is a standout feature in Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. As Furiosa finds herself in the clutches of Dementus, the formidable leader of the Biker Horde, the tension becomes tangible. Dementus, consumed by a relentless curiosity to uncover her origins, is met with a steadfast silence from the young girl. The suspense reaches its peak when Furiosa’s mother arrives at the camp for the rescue attempt, urging Furiosa to continue without her. This heart-wrenching moment underscores the high stakes of their battle against Dementus and his gang of bikers, setting the stage for the film’s climactic events and leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.

As you embark on the exhilarating journey of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, you’ll immediately be captivated by the meticulous precision of each frame. Miller’s artistry is truly unparalleled. The director’s painstaking attention to detail, flawlessly showcased throughout Furiosa, is a testament to his mastery. For instance, in one action sequence on a big rig truck, the camera follows Furiosa’s every move with such precision that you can almost feel the wind in your hair. Every close-up of Anya Taylor-Joy’s Furiosa and Chris Hemsworth’s Dementus is purposeful and exact, capturing their emotions and the scene’s intensity with a level of detail that is truly awe-inspiring.

Furiosa is a marvel and should be seen on the big screen (if possible). Simon Duggan’s cinematography is stunning throughout, beautifully complementing Miller’s story and direction. Composer Tom Holkenborg returns to the Wasteland with a pulse-pounding score that will take viewers back to Fury Road. Together, Miller, Duggan, and Holkenborg create a perfect picture of the Wasteland.

Anya Taylor- Joy as Furiosa, Tom Burke as Praetorian Jack and Chris Hemsworth as Dementus in *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga*. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Miller’s guidance of his two main characters adds a layer of depth to the film. Anya Taylor-Joy, known for her exceptional performances, brings her A-game once again as Furiosa. Her portrayal of Furiosa is nothing short of impeccable, a testament to her talent. Stepping into the shoes of Theron’s Furiosa was undoubtedly a challenge, but Taylor-Joy rises to the occasion. As the character’s dialogue is sparse, Taylor-Joy’s performance relies on her facial expressions, body language, and physicality, immersing the audience deeper into the character’s world and leaving them eager to see her in action.

On the opposite side of the coin, you have Hemsworth as Dementus. People often associate Hemsworth with his portrayal of the God of Thunder, Thor. However, he plays an excellent villain. Previously showcased in Bad Times at the El Royale and Spiderhead, Hemsworth shows off his range as Dementus. Arrogant, maniacal and pompous, Hemsworth does a fantastic job of giving viewers a villain they’ll love to hate, but be entertained by.

Charlee Fraser as Mary Jabassa in *Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga*. (Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures)

Charlee Fraser is deserving of a special shoutout. For me, Fraser steals the show in Furiosa in just her second feature film role. While she doesn’t have nearly the same amount of screen time as her peers, her impact is just as felt. Fraser’s scenes were sensational to watch, and I hope her outstanding performance in Furiosa means we will all have the privilege of seeing her more often on the big screen.

In addition to the excellent performances and brilliant directing, Furiosa shines in its portrayal of a woman seeking revenge. It explores the complexities of enduring multiple traumas, grappling with the emotions that come with it, and executing a plan for vengeance with the odds stacked against you. If you were a fan of Furiosa in Mad Max: Fury Road, this prequel enhances that story and further clarifies what we see from Furiosa and her intentions in the prior film. Ultimately, the sacrifice and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity make Furiosa shine as a character and is a bright light in Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.