Furiosa is one of the more highly anticipated movies I was expecting in 2024. Director George Miller, the filmmaker who has helmed every single installment of this franchise, has consistently delivered exciting and riveting films. Furiosa is no exception; however, considering that this movie is intended to give a more fleshed-out backstory of the character of Furiosa, I was slightly disappointed; the result is a simple vengeance story that harkens back to the gravity of Miller’s very first movie, but never entirely elevates the franchise beyond any expectations.
That is not to say that I did not like this movie. I had an absolute blast. Miller knows how to envision, and he can create some incredible action sequences with an excellent crew. Regardless of this movie’s shortcomings, Furiosa is another one of those movies that should be experienced on the biggest available screen to behold in all of its wonderous spectacle.
As an origin story for the Furiosa character in Mad Max: Fury Road, Furiosa takes its audience through the titular protagonist’s journey as she is taken from her idyllic world in the Green Place. She gets ripped from her more comfortable home and is immersed in a selfish, greedy world. The leader of the gang that abducted her is an egomaniacal ruler named Dementus (Chris Hemsworth), who craves more resources and power at his disposal.
Dementus, after having Furiosa’s protective mother murdered, keeps the young child in his custody as he aims to gain some power over those who control water, fuel, weaponry, and water. Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy) uses her skills and patience to thrive in harsh conditions, but her end goal remains steadfast. She wishes to kill Dementus for the death of her mother.
Written and directed by George Miller, who co-wrote the movie with Nico Lathouris, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga will please fans of Fury Road and any fans of Miller’s original trilogy. Muscle vehicles and thrilling action sequences will surely make fans of this franchise very happy. However, the development of the Furiosa character, along with a lack of a stronger backstory of this universe, is where this movie falls short. Still, I was mostly amazed by how well-executed the action scenes were conceived and executed.
That is what fans of this franchise usually crave. A lot has been said about watching movies in the theater versus at home. Furiosa is a film that deserves to be experienced in the best theater available! I don’t care how big your home screen is. I do not care how awesome your sound system normally rocks you. After experiencing this movie on the largest screen in Austin (Bob Bulloch Museum IMAX), with its outstanding sound system, I know that any home experience would not be the same.
As far as the cast is concerned, I was moderately pleased with the performance of Anya Taylor-Joy as the adult version of Furiosa, but it is the exceptional turn by Chris Hemsworth as Dementus that is most memorable and enjoyable. Hemsworth chews the scenery and seems to have a blast doing so. He is the perfect villain for this movie and is the most entertaining performer.
So, despite this movie’s shortcomings, I strongly recommend that everyone check it out in the best theater available. George Miller may be 79 years-old, but he has proven that he has the vision and the skills to create a wonderful cinematic spectacle.