'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' Review: Brutal, Brilliant & Totally Bonkers

George Miller burst onto the scene in 1979 with his first feature film, Mad Max, a low-budget, near-future indie flick about a cop battling a ruthless biker gang. Remarkably, fast forward forty years later and he’s still immersed in that chaotic world.

‘Furiosa’ delivers a barrage of action sequences while showcasing meticulous world-building from Miller, bolstered by standout performances from Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth. This colossal, marauding film demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible. The thunderous roar of the engines vibrates through your seat, and the orange hues of the wastelands fill the room, creating a full-scale assault on your senses.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga — Image Credit: Warner Bros./Village Roadshow Pictures

Credit is due to the casting team for their inspired choice of Chris Hemsworth as Dementus. Sporting a fake nose, rank teeth, and a filthy, shaggy beard, Hemsworth is almost unrecognizable. He masterfully combines sentimentality with cruelty, driven by fierce ambition and absolute madness. Anya Taylor-Joy is perfect as Furiosa; she has a remarkable presence on screen. Despite her limited dialogue, she is incredibly commanding—you will not be able to take your eyes off her.

As the title suggests, Furiosa delves into the backstory of the character originally played by Charlize Theron in Fury Road. This time, Furiosa is depicted as a child by Alyla Browne, and once again, the casting is excellent as Browne and Taylor-Joy bear an uncanny resemblance to each other. The film opens with the young Furiosa being raised in the Green Place of Many Mothers, only to be kidnapped and thrust into a chaotic and desolate world ruled by Hemsworth’s Warlord Dementus.

Over time, Furiosa silently endures her travels with the gang, patiently awaiting her chance to break free. Meanwhile, Dementus stumbles upon The Citadel, a society ruled by the grotesque leader Immortan Joe, with whom Dementus reluctantly forms an alliance. To evade the fate of becoming one of Immortan Joe’s wives, kept locked in grimy secret birth chambers, Furiosa seizes an opportunity with the help of Praetorian Jack, a renowned rig driver played by Tom Burke.

‘Furiosa’ is brilliant and totally bonkers, it’s a wild ride that revels in its mayhem.

Burke delivers a solid performance as Jack, assuming the role of Furiosa’s mentor in driving, combat, and overall toughness. As the pair traverse the desert wasteland, they confront hordes of rogue bikers attacking from all sides. Furiosa, now battle-hardened with a metal arm and shaved head, seeks revenge on Dementus.

Throughout its runtime, the film maintains an astonishing standard of stunts and visual effects, showcasing George Miller’s mastery even after 45 years in the business. It’s a privilege to witness his talent once again. With a ferocious and savage heart, Miller’s film ascends into epic status, skillfully weaving together top-notch world-building, emotionally resonant direction, powerful performances, and striking cinematography.

Your level of enjoyment will depend on whether or not you require a message alongside the chaos. However, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is undeniably brilliant and totally bonkers. It’s a wild ride that revels in its mayhem, and for those who enjoy a bit of chaos, it’s an absolute delight.