«Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga» is a thrilling film with a gripping plot, impressive action scenes, and top-tier performances. Starring Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth, it is a prequel set before «Mad Max: Fury Road.» The movie explores Furiosa’s harrowing journey of survival and revenge after being kidnapped, leading to her eventual rise to power. Despite some extended scenes, it’s a well-crafted action film that both critics and audiences have positively received.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga – The Good, The Bad, and The Review
The latest film in the Mad Max universe, «Furiosa,» has garnered a range of audience reactions, though critics call it one of the best action and sci-fi films.
An X user bluntly gave it a 7, reflecting the film’s polarizing nature—some will love it, others might see it as just another action movie. For fans of well-crafted action with an intelligent script, it’s a gem, likely earning high marks. However, if you’re looking for a typical blockbuster full of special effects and constant jokes, this might not be for you. Despite its divisive reception, «Furiosa» rarely disappoints or bores.
Plot Overview
«Furiosa» is a prequel to «Mad Max: Fury Road,» set in the Mad Max chronology: «Mad Max» (1979), «Mad Max 2» (1981), «Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome» (1985), «Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga» (2024), and «Mad Max: Fury Road» (2015). The film stars Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth (as the villain Dementus), debuting with 90% positive ratings on Rotten Tomatoes. The story follows Furiosa’s kidnapping, survival, and revenge, leading to her arrival at the Citadel under Immortan Joe’s rule.
It’s worth watching «Mad Max: Fury Road» for some context on the characters and story
Visuals and Themes:
«Furiosa» excels with its grand visuals and stellar performances, especially Taylor-Joy’s portrayal of Furiosa’s cold determination. Hemsworth’s Dementus adds a nuanced villain. The film empowers women in a violent, chaotic world without being overtly feminist.
Why Apocalyptic Sci-Fi Still Appeals:
Despite real-world dystopian elements like AI, pandemics, and wars, apocalyptic sci-fi remains popular, providing a compelling escape and reflection on current issues.
The Good
The grand staging and impressive performances make it a must-see in theaters. Taylor-Joy brings the perfect icy resolve to Furiosa, while Hemsworth’s Dementus is a believable villain with his tragic kitschy touches.
The Bad
Some scenes are a bit long, and the character overload can be confusing if you don’t know the Mad Max universe beforehand. It is recommended that you revisit the previous films.
Final Thoughts
«Furiosa» is a well-crafted, director-driven film that stays true to George Miller’s vision. While it may not instantly become a cult classic, it reaffirms the enduring appeal of high-quality action cinema. It’s a cinematic spectacle worth experiencing on the big screen, reminding us of what great action movies can be in a year lacking major releases.
We don’t know if «Furiosa» will achieve cult status, but like «Blade Runner,» it might do so with time. For now, it reaffirms that great action cinema is still very much alive. For more, check out the full review in Spanish here.
