It’s almost unimaginable that George Miller made his initial foray into the cinematic world in 1979 with the original Mad Max, starring Mel Gibson. Even more astonishing is his continued dedication to this dystopian vision 45 years later, diving once again into its chaotic depths and emerging triumphant.
In 2015, Miller revitalized the franchise with Mad Max: Fury Road, a film that has since been hailed by many as the greatest action movie of the last decade. Much of its acclaim was due to Charlize Theron’s iconic role as Furiosa, a fierce and determined warrior. Now, Miller gifts audiences with an exhilarating origin story that brings new layers to this beloved character, aptly titled Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. This prequel stands not only as a powerful narrative on its own but also as an ideal companion to Fury Road. Given Miller’s penchant for seamlessly blending elements, one might wonder if a six-hour double feature combining both films could be in our future.
The setting returns us to the haunting, desolate expanses of post-apocalyptic Australia, providing a backdrop as rich and dismal as ever. Here, we finally delve into what Theron’s Furiosa meant by her poignant line, “My mother died on the third day.” While Fury Road chronicled intense, high-octane events over just a few days, Furiosa spans 15 years, divided into five meticulously crafted episodes. This structure allows audiences to take a breather and fully appreciate the depth of the narrative.
We are first introduced to Furiosa at just 10 years old, portrayed poignantly by Alyla Browne. She resides at the Green Place of Many Mothers, a rare oasis amidst the violent, barren world. This fleeting peace is shattered when Furiosa is kidnapped by the warlord Dementus (played with chilling charisma by Chris Hemsworth) and his band of menacing bikers. Over the ensuing years, Furiosa learns to navigate and survive this harsh new reality, encountering familiar figures like Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme) and eventually becoming a key player in their world. Browne’s captivating performance gives way to Anya Taylor-Joy in an electrifying sequence that marks Furiosa’s transformation into a resilient warrior.
Caught between the warring factions of Dementus and Immortan Joe, Furiosa finds an unexpected ally in Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke). The head of the war rig, Praetorian Jack sympathizes with Furiosa and their tentative bond adds a layer of humanity and emotional depth to the narrative.
. Their interaction, though short-lived, offers a poignant moment amidst the relentless action and chaos surrounding them.
As Furiosa hurtles towards a climactic showdown with Dementus, the film lays the groundwork for the events that eventually unfold in Fury Road. Taylor-Joy’s performance is nothing short of mesmerizing. Her portrayal captures every nuance of Furiosa’s internal struggle, using minimal dialogue but expressing volumes through her intense, expressive eyes. Taylor-Joy’s physicality in the role also stands out, bringing Furiosa’s fierce determination and combat prowess vividly to life.
Despite Taylor-Joy’s riveting performance, it is Chris Hemsworth who truly steals the show. Cast against type, Hemsworth breathes life into the malevolent Dementus with a mix of charisma, humor, and menace. Sporting a distinctive prosthetic nose and an unusual accent, his performance is both tragic and formidable, filled with swagger and dark charm reminiscent of his role in Bad Times At The El Royale. Hemsworth’s Dementus is sure to be remembered as one of the standout villains in contemporary cinema.
George Miller’s casting choices prove impeccable, with Tom Burke excelling as Praetorian Jack and Alyla Browne delivering a standout performance as young Furiosa. The film also features a cast of compelling supporting characters that further enrich Miller’s vivid and tumultuous world.
Visually, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a triumph, featuring a series of high-octane chases, explosive stunts, and cutting-edge visual effects that must be seen to be believed. One particularly memorable sequence—a frenetic three-day chase across the desert—captures the essence of the Mad Max franchise’s exhilarating action.
In conclusion, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga demonstrates how to follow up on the greatest action movie of the decade. With its engaging narrative, unforgettable performances, and breathtaking action sequences, George Miller has once again proven his mastery of the genre.
Oh, what a day. What a lovely day.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is now showing in theatres.
