First and foremost- I am extremely biased when it comes to anything “Mad Max.” From a VERY young age (my parents can back this up), I was…obsessed…with the post-apocalyptic world from the mind of the madman genius, Dr. George Miller. Making my own feral kid costume out of a destroyed teddybear, wanting desperately to be one of The Waiting Ones, all the way up to the Vuvalini and Imperators- yeah, I kinda love it all.
There have been essays and articles and even university corses about how purely Australian these films are, launching a brand of filmmaking that touched cultures around the world. There’s no production like a Miller Kennedy production, both good and bad. And that’s why “Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” is hard to really pin down from a review standpoint.
Where “Road Warrior” launched a thousand dreams and nightmares of a possible future, “Thunderdome” gave hope. “Fury Road” on the other hand was perhaps the most shocking cinematic experience of the modern age, in all the best ways. Visceral and dirty, slick and heartpounding, the chaos behind the scenes from leads Charlize Theron and Tom Hardy perhaps really did create the environment of survival needed to stick the landing. There will not be another film like it. Ever.
Saying “Furiosa” doesn’t top it’s predecessor is disingenuous. NOTHING could top “Fury Road,” and expecting a prequel to is…unfair to the prequel. Also…using that descriptor feels somewhat insulting, too. Yes, this is a character we’ve met before in a world we’ve seen before, setting up what comes next. But it’s also completely it’s own experience, and more purely, an origin story.
That said, it *is* yet another astounding success from Miller and his unparalleled production team. The performances of Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth in roles we never expected to see them in is reason alone to see this movie in a theater as soon as possible.
Throw in high-octane stunts, chases, and vehicles form your darkest imagination (or perhaps fall plans?) with even MORE incredible world-building, “Furiosa” is everything a summer blockbuster should be. And also, exactly what George Miller wanted it to be.
Miller Wanted to Make It Epic
As Taylor-Joy has recounted on the world-wide press junket, there was not a single thing Miller didn’t have control over (this time). Locations, script, even the placement of pieces of Furiosa’s costuming during second-unit days- it was all George. That’s not to say the auteur isn’t collaborative, but, he does have standards, even in the Wasteland.
This story is an important one to tell. Who was Furiosa before she became the Imperator trusted by Immortan Joe to lead his convoy? Why do the War Boys follow her unquestioningly? How does she have aim to rival even the most seasoned Road Warrior? What about the Green Place? The Wasteland War? THE WAR RIG?!
Yes, yes, and even more yes.
As you can see, I’m trying very hard not to give spoilers. If you’ve seen most of the numerous trailers and tv spots, chances are you have a pretty good idea of what you’re about to witness. Thankfully there IS more to the film, so prepare yourselves accordingly.
“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga” hits theaters May 24th, 2024. It just had it’s world premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival, where it received a 7-minute standing ovation.
I will be seeing it again. Many, many, more times.
