George Miller's Fury Road reignited the Mad Max franchise with a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled spectacle that redefined the titular hero as an idea rather than a man. This bold move created space for the riveting character of Furiosa to shine. Now, Warner Bros' prequel, Furiosa, attempts to replicate this mythologization by delving into the apocalypse's early days, when greenery still thrived. While Furiosa feels like a more refined, artful exploration of humanity's struggle to survive, it unfortunately reduces its namesake to a mere plot device rather than an active participant in the story.
A Chronicle of Young Adulthood
Unlike previous Mad Max films, which presented snapshots of a war-torn future, Furiosa chronicles the formative years of Furiosa (played by Alyla Browne in flashbacks and Anya Taylor-Joy in the present). She's one of the last individuals to experience the fabled Green Place of Many Mothers, where natural abundance and seclusion allowed her to thrive. However, her early life is marked by the constant threat of danger, and when her people are attacked, she understands the importance of secrecy for survival.
The Durability of Ideas
By opening in the Green Place, Miller emphasizes the power of ideas and their ability to endure. As Furiosa is taken from her idyllic home and enslaved by the ruthless warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), the film highlights how life in the wasteland can corrupt individuals. Yet, Furiosa's memories of the Green Place shape her perspective and prepare her for the horrors she'll face.
A Stage Play Unfolding
Unlike Fury Road's frenetic energy, Furiosa unfolds like a stage play, with bookended acts that reveal Furiosa's transformation into a warrior. Miller and co-writer Nico Lathouris focus on Furiosa's perceptiveness as she navigates the world of Dementus' gang, a band of motorcycle-riding marauders who frequently turn on each other.
A Distinct Culture
Furiosa offers a fresh perspective on the Mad Max world, exploring the culture of Dementus' horde and the Citadel, ruled by Immortan Joe (Lachy Hulme). The contrast between these cultures is striking, and Praetorian Jack (Tom Burke) embodies shades of Tom Hardy's Max Rockatansky, adding narrative depth to the larger Furiosa story.
A Struggle to Define Dementus
While Dementus is meant to be a font of absurd masculinity, his character feels like a rehashing of previous Mad Max villains. Chris Hemsworth's performance, hindered by distracting prosthetics, struggles to bring depth to the role. As the film progresses, Dementus becomes a character stitched together from leftover ideas, feeling like an echo of Immortan Joe.
Furiosa's Characterization
The younger Immortan Joe, a more level-headed version of his Fury Road self, becomes a significant part of Furiosa's story. The characters' similarities highlight the archetypal tyrant that craves power in a post-societal collapse world. However, Furiosa's characterization of Immortan Joe and his War Boys feels like an organic extension of Fury Road, making the movie feel more authentic
Action Sequences and Identity
Furiosa's action sequences, though smaller in scale than Fury Road, establish the film's identity. The obfuscated shots of carnage and the dire tone remind us of the impending doom that awaits Furiosa in the future. Anya Taylor-Joy's steely-eyed determination shines through in the film's final act, making her a compelling protagonist
A Supporting Character in Her Own Movie
Despite Taylor-Joy's captivating performance, Furiosa still feels like a supporting character in her own movie. This persists until the final act, which connects to Fury Road in a satisfying way. While the two films work well together, watching them back-to-back highlights how much more Fury Road allowed Furiosa to shine