Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, directed by the visionary George Miller, continues the high-octane tradition of the Mad Max franchise with a fresh yet pleasingly familiar face.
Starring Chris Hemsworth as the villainous Dementus, and Anya Taylor-Joy stepping into the titular role of Furiosa, the film promised a journey through desolate wastelands and chaotic action. However, while it delivers on certain fronts with aplomb, it also stumbles in crucial areas, leading to a somewhat mixed experience.
One of the film’s undeniable strengths lies in its stunning cinematography. George Miller, known for his keen eye for expansive, desolate landscapes, brings the barren yet beautiful wastelands of Australia to life. The scorched earth, sprawling deserts, and stormy skies are captured with a breathtaking artistry that makes every frame worth pausing to admire. This visual feast is a testament to Miller’s and cinematographer Simon Duggan’s prowess in creating a world that feels both alien and hauntingly real, drawing viewers into the harsh, unforgiving environment that the characters must navigate.
Chris Hemsworth’s performance as Dementus is another highlight. Hemsworth embraces the character with an infectious energy, delivering a performance that is both magnetic and wonderfully over-the-top. He hams it up just the right amount to fit perfectly within the Mad Max universe, adding a layer of camp that enhances his menacing charm. His presence on screen is commanding, and he brings a certain flair that makes Dementus a memorable antagonist. The scenes in which he comes up against Fury Road’s Immortan Joe are some of the best parts of the film.
Anya Taylor-Joy, cast as the iconic Furiosa, channels the spirit of Charlize Theron’s portrayal with a commendable blend of intensity and vulnerability. She brings depth to Furiosa, making her a character worth rooting for. Taylor-Joy’s performance is both fierce and nuanced, capturing the essence of a warrior struggling with inner and outer conflicts. When she finally takes centre stage (which is far too late in the film), she owns it with the kind of gravitas that fans of the franchise will appreciate.
However, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is not without its flaws. The film’s pacing, particularly during the initial setup sequences, is sluggish. The first half feels drawn out, with an over-reliance on unimportant characters that hampers the momentum. This slow build-up makes it challenging to stay engaged, especially when audiences are eager for the high-octane action that the series is known for. Anya Taylor-Joy’s late appearance exacerbates this issue, as the narrative meanders before truly kicking into gear with her introduction.
Additionally, the film suffers from an excessive use of green screen, which, unfortunately, detracts from the otherwise immersive visuals. In several scenes, the artificiality of the green screen is glaring, pulling viewers out of the experience. Coupled with some subpar CGI, these technical shortcomings become even more pronounced. Moments that should be visually spectacular are instead marred by noticeable flaws, undermining the film’s overall aesthetic. This is especially apparent when compared to Fury Road’s visuals – which still hold up well.
While the movie is titled Furiosa, it often feels more like Dementus’s story, with Chris Hemsworth overshadowing Anya Taylor-Joy. This imbalance is disappointing, given the anticipation surrounding Furiosa’s character. The narrative focus on Dementus, while entertaining, means that Furiosa’s journey and development take a backseat for a significant portion of the film. This choice diminishes the impact of her story, which is a shame.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a visually striking and entertaining addition to the Mad Max franchise, bolstered by strong performances from Chris Hemsworth and Anya Taylor-Joy. The cinematography is spectacular, and Hemsworth’s portrayal of Dementus is delightfully campy and engaging. However, the film’s slow pacing, overuse of green screen, occasional poor CGI, and narrative imbalance detract from its overall impact. While it has its moments of brilliance, Furiosa ultimately falls short of reaching the heights of its predecessor.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.
