A MAD, MAD WORLD // A FILM REVIEW OF “FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA”
BY MATEO MORENO
George Miller has crafted one of the most unique and memorable film universes this side of Star Wars and all of the Marvel films. He, along with Byron Kennedy, created Mad Max in 1979 and went on to direct (co-directing one) four very successful film, most recently with 2015’s critically lauded and very successful Mad Max: Fury Road. In that film he introduced the character of Furiosa (played by Charlize Theron) and a new fandom arose. So instead of continuing to follow Mad Max, his latest entry into the Mad Max Saga is an origin story for another: FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA.
Taking over for Theron is Anya Taylor-Joy as adult Furiosa and Alyla Browne as a very young version of the character (which is notable because we spend a lot more time than I had assumed with her version). We begin with her as a child in her homeland “The Green Place.” While spying on a biker gang, she’s discovered and kidnapped, but not before taking out one of their bikes first. Furiosa’s mother Mary (Charlee Fraser), a bad-ass in her own right, follows chase, taking out many in the process. She finds her daughter at the campground of a crazed and egotistical cult-like leader named Dementus (Chris Hemsworth). Mary does rescue Furiosa, but gets captured herself and Furiosa can’t leave her mother behind. And so begins the tale of Furiosa, following this origin story like moment to many years later, when Taylor-Joy steps in for duty.
Just as Fury Road build a wild action film, filled with as many jaw dropping spectacles as it does emotional arcs, Furiosa follows suit and along with some great CGI piles on the huge practical effects that George Miller is known for. Alyla Browne is very good as a young Furiosa, holding her own against everyone in sight. She leads the first hour of the film, so it’s quite a relief to see her strike such a power performance of her own. But the power truly relies in Anya Taylor-Joy’s ferocious performance. She’s truly dynamic, bringing the power that Theron gave the role years ago but makes it her own role completely. Chris Hemsworth trades in his Thor cape and hammer for a delectibal villian role, a scene stealing performance. He’s menacing and funny, truly making a showcase turn. The cinematography by Simon Duggan is wonderful and even if you are hankering for another chapter of Max himself, you will not regret experiencing this rollicking and emotional chapter. All hail Furiosa.
GRADE: A-
WRITTEN BY George Miller and Nick Lathouris BASED ON CHARACTERS CREATED BY George Miller and Byron Kennedy STARRING Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Alyla Browne, Charlee Fraser, Tom Burke, Lachy Hulme, Nathan Jones, John Howard, Josh Helman NOW PLAYING IN THEATRES EVERYWHERE