If you were among the millions who admired 2015’s “Mad Max: Fury Road,” you would recall Charlize Theron’s powerful portrayal of Furiosa, the post-apocalyptic heroine.
Since then, you might not have pondered Furiosa’s backstory or her missing arm. However, this prequel, directed by the renowned George Miller, answers those questions with visionary creativity. It captivates and excites, much like Theron’s film, proving that Hollywood can make you care about unexpected narratives.
“Furiosa,” starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the title role, is grander and perhaps even stranger than its predecessor. Unlike the straightforward narrative of “Fury Road,” this prequel adopts an episodic structure, focusing on extensive world-building reminiscent of the “Dune” franchise.
While “Dune” blends desert landscapes with a touch of exotic civilization, “Furiosa” presents a roaring death-metal fantasy set in a steampunk wasteland. The world is populated by desperate survivors, many of whom are grotesque mutants resembling a troupe of killer clowns. The story is driven by themes of primal hunger, anger, hate, and revenge.
At 2 hours and 28 minutes, the film can be intense. The opening scene, featuring a young Furiosa (Alyla Browne) plucking a rare, Edenic apple, provides a brief moment of beauty. This is quickly followed by a series of spectacular, breathless action scenes. Furiosa soon finds herself in the company of the warlord Dementus, played by Chris Hemsworth, who brings a unique facetious humor to his role.
Anya Taylor-Joy appears as the grown-up Furiosa nearly an hour into the film, with minimal dialogue, a characteristic feature of the “Mad Max” series. Her performance, characterized by her expressive eyes, seamlessly connects with Theron’s portrayal, embodying the essence of a formidable heroine.
The film can be seen as a story of education and survival, akin to “David Copperfield,” but with relentless explosions, chases, and battles. Furiosa faces continuous cruelty, moving from one hellish compound to another, yet she learns, adapts, fights, and ultimately prevails. Her journey is both enthralling and inspiring.
“Furiosa” is now showing in theaters.
