Vertigo

Vertigo
Vertigo

Monday, May 27, 2024

How She Became FURIOSA: A MAD MAX SAGA

 

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, is director George Miller’s (The Road Warrior, Babe) latest in the post-apocalyptic world that serves as a prequel to his classic, Mad Max: Fury Road.  More epic in scope with a focused character study on one protagonist, it is a highly engaging, entertaining adventure that ties together both films.

Civilization has fallen and only scavengers and hidden enclaves remain in The Wasteland.  A child, Furiosa, is captured away from her home by marauders led by the cunning, ruthless Dr. Dementus (Chris Hemsworth).  Resourceful and determined, Furiosa must learn to survive, and she watches and learns, waiting for a chance to return home.  As a young adult, Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy) blends in with the work crews and becomes expert and proficient with weapons and machinery.  When Dementus attacks The Citadel, it results in an uneasy, protracted deal between warring factions who control a limited number of fortresses.  As Furiosa waits for her opportunity to escape, help comes from an unlikely source. Can she finally break free of her captors, and will she exact revenge on Dementus? 

This film is epic in scope and very similar to Fury Road except this one provides more background and intimate perspective of Furiosa.  Taylor-Joy and Alyla Browne (as a younger Furiosa) are affecting and seamless in their portrayals while Hemsworth is outstanding playing against type. 

Miller has an eye for visual imagery and creates a totally convincing, brutal world where survival is paramount.  A significant portion of the film features a couple of elaborate chase sequences showcasing his outstanding, heart-stopping action that, even after several Mad Max films, is still riveting and stunning in execution, often without any dialogue for long stretches. Fans of this series especially Fury Road should be thoroughly entertained.  

****1/2 of ***** stars


No comments: