Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga Movie Review: In 2015, George Miller gave the world Mad Max: Fury Road, sparking a revolution in action cinema and raising the standards of the genre to epic new heights. Today, with his latest masterpiece Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Miller proves once again that he is an unparalleled artist in his field. Because, as we will see in this review of Furiosa, if the predecessor can already be, rightly, considered an undisputed point of reference, this prequel not only equals it but probably almost manages to surpass it in a visual and narrative symphony that leaves you breathless.
Exploring Origins: A prequel that goes further
The plot of Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga takes place chronologically before the events narrated in Fury Road, taking viewers back in time to explore the origins of one of the most iconic characters of the saga, and perhaps of this century. However, what makes this film extraordinary is its ability to go far beyond a single character. With intelligence and depth, George Miller masterfully manages to expand the entire Mad Max universe, weaving an engaging plot that adds new nuances to the already rich post-apocalyptic landscape.
In Furiosa, Miller introduces not only new elements that help enrich the narrative but also delves into the dynamics of power and survival in a world ravaged by war and desperation. Through this origin story, the film explores universal themes such as revenge, offering a more in-depth and complete vision of more characters that we have already seen. Yet even for fans of the saga, who already know what will happen next, the film manages to surprise on several occasions. And to never be seen before.
This is because the prequel does not simply fill in the gaps in the saga's chronology, but stands as an essential new chapter that enriches and deepens our understanding of the post-apocalyptic world created by Miller. Opening up, possibly, to further chapters. The Australian director and screenwriter gives us a more complete and satisfying, but not definitive, perspective. Indeed, he takes us on a new journey as engaging and compelling as the previous one, but with many new details and facets that make this decadent and dangerous world more fascinating and alive than ever.
Iconic and magnetic: Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth
In filling the already iconic role of Furiosa, Anya Taylor-Joy faces a titanic challenge, because very few characters have become cult as quickly as Furiosa. Yet the young actress emerges triumphant with a magnetic and intense performance: her ability to capture the character's strength and determination is extraordinary, transporting viewers back into the post-apocalyptic world with an emotional and physical power worthy of the character work done preceded by Charlize Theron. Thanks also to the richness of the script, Anya Taylor-Joy adds new depth and dimension to Furiosa, making her not only an icon of strength and courage but also a character-rich in human nuances and vulnerability.
Alongside her, Chris Hemsworth also shines in a completely different performance from the ones he had accustomed us to: his Dementus, a ferocious warlord, is frightening and charismatic at the same time. His interpretation is almost always bordering on caricature, but it adapts well to Miller's dirty and crazy universe. Completely different, however, is the surprising Praetorian Jack by Tom Burke, a character who recalls in every way the Mad Max (especially that of Mel Gibson) that we love so much and who unexpectedly becomes fundamental both for the young Furiosa and for what then it will become in the future, both for the extraordinary success of the entire film.
Miller's mastery: a new lesson in action cinema
But no matter how perfect the performances and the exhilarating narrative, this film would not be a new masterpiece without George Miller's unique direction, passion, and genius exuding from every frame. His ability to once again transport viewers to fantastical worlds confirms his status as a visionary director, capable of pushing the boundaries of cinema and creating unforgettable works. And inimitable, despite numerous attempts.
Just like Fury Road nine years ago, and the first Mad Max in the 1980s, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a film that fascinates and overwhelms while watching, but which does not end with the credits. It continues to live in the minds of those who were fascinated by that world and would immediately like to return; but also in conversations and debates between spectators or in the dreams of aspiring filmmakers. Miller reminds us for the umpteenth time that he is not just a director, but a master who has redefined genres and influenced entire generations. Not just filmmakers, but artists of all kinds.
And this is why in an all too homogeneous panorama, dominated by blockbusters without depth and without ideas, Furiosa stands out as a beacon of originality and creativity within the genre. But also the demonstration that it is possible to create a sequel/prequel coherently, without necessarily being banal or always trying to take the easiest path. Or that of the simple infinite reproduction of a winning formula. Furiosa could have done it, but instead, she takes a lot of risks and wins every single bet.
And it is incredible, and unfortunately significant, that it is an octogenarian like George Miller, once again, who challenges industry conventions and public expectations. And one of the few to indicate, for decades now, new paths. Roads that continue to remain deserted, dusty, and often forgotten. But at this point, it doesn't matter: as long as there are only the characters created by Miller on those streets, first and foremost his marvelous Furiosa, we will certainly be happy to continue frequenting them.