It is no small task to follow up an action film widely regarded as one of the best of the past decade. George Miller’s 2015 hit “Mad Max: Fury Road,” which won an Oscar, was a prequel, and that was the challenge he faced. This culminated in “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga,” which traces the backstory of the Imperator Furiosa, the iconic heroine from “Fury Road” (played by Anya Taylor-Joy now and Charlize Theron back then).
The new picture opened in Cannes last week, and critics were quick to weigh in before Friday’s theatrical release. It was certain to be compared to the other “Mad Max” films, particularly the acclaimed “Fury Road.” Critics appear to concur that “Furiosa” has a deeper and more melancholy vibe, but they aren’t completely in agreement on whether that’s a good or bad thing.
The Beginning
Following the origins of Furiosa, portrayed by Charlize Theron in Fury Road, is what the title implies. Taylor-Joy plays her as a young adult and Alyla Browne as a child in this. Simply based on their physical similarity, it’s a superb casting choice.
On top of that, they each bring something remarkable to the part. Browne gives us a glimpse of the cunning strategy hiding below the traumatized exterior of the little girl who was separated from her community and mother and forced to watch horrors no child should have to endure.
Moreover, the action scenes—which comprise the vast majority of the film—feature Taylor-Joy, who is a delight to watch. In contrast to all that hulking bulk and weaponry, her nimbleness and wit are a welcome change of pace. She may be small in stature compared to the rest of the ensemble, but when equipped with a grappling hook and some wheels, she truly could outshine them all.
And The End
The bossy Dementus is in charge of a group of bikers who think they are a major force in the Wasteland. His boys are the ones who take Furiosa when she is young, and he orders that her mother be abused and killed. The way of life and the “place of abundance” that Furiosa’s people protect from the wild chaos of the outside world are in real danger from Dementus. Furiosa hates him very much, and her dislike grows stronger every year.
Watching a film about heroes fleeing from a doomed quest is, as it turns out, one thing. Witnessing a lady fight for her life in a predatory world is a completely different ballgame. It has been easy to overlook Miller’s repeated films concerning the end of the world because he is such an incredibly innovative director.
Conclusion
It’s an amazing job by Miller—he created a world that is fully realized, right down to the last sick pustule on the last maggot farmer that lives in a ditch. Also, the fight scenes are amazing. A small question remains about whether there is much substance beneath the blitzkrieg attack of the show. How much you enjoy it will depend on whether you need a message with your chaos.